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It has now been over two years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their roles as senior working royals and moved to California with their young children Archie and Lilibet. During this time, the couple have kept their children mostly shielded from the public eye as they navigate life outside of the royal system. However, a close friend of Meghan's recently provided a seldom seen brief update on Archie and Lilibet, offering a rare glimpse into their day-to-day lives.
Nestled in the serene embrace of Montecito, California alongside their parents Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Archie (5) and Lilibet (3) have found solace away from the tumultuous world of royalty since their parents' departure from official duties in 2020. According to Meghan's confidant, the children have flourished in the loving and protected environment provided by their family away from the constant public scrutiny they would face in the UK.
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Prince Archie, the friend shared, possesses remarkable manners and charm. With his sweet nature, curiosity, and playful personality, Archie captivates all who encounter him. Meanwhile, Princess Lilibet radiates vivacity and exudes pure happiness. Her gentle demeanor exemplifies the nurturing environment in which both children are being raised. While their Royal lineage affords them prestigious titles, Harry and Meghan's main priority is ensuring Archie and Lilibet are cherished simply for who they are as individuals without constraints imposed by their heritage.
Interestingly, according to a trusted source, Harry and Meghan have yet to delve deeply into explaining the intricacies of the children's royal statuses to them. However, these conversations will undoubtedly transpire in due time as Archie and Lilibet grow older. For now, casual discussions in their California home do not involve reference to their formal titles of Prince and Princess.
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Born in London on May 6, 2019, Archie spent his early months at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor before the family relocated permanently to California in 2020. He entered the world as British royalty's first mixed-race child. Younger sister Lilibet arrived almost exactly two years later on June 4, 2021 at a Santa Barbara hospital. She celebrated her first birthday in June 2022 during the Sussexes' brief visit to England for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee festivities, which also marked the last time both children were present in the UK.
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Due to ongoing safety concerns, Prince Harry has been hesitant to bring his family back to his native country for extended visits. As grandchildren of the sovereign, Archie and Lilibet held special significance in the line of succession upon their births. However, protocols dictate they would only actively utilize their princely and princessly titles once the reigning monarch passes. For now, while cherishing their privileged royal lineage, Harry and Meghan ensure Archie and Lilibet live as normally as possible outside the formal royal framework.
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Harry's legal battle with the UK government over his security arrangements when in Britain has amplified unease around returning, even for brief trips. He initiated proceedings against the Home Office following their February 2020 decision that he would not receive the "same degree" of taxpayer-funded police protection as a senior working royal after stepping back. In dismissing Harry's challenge earlier this year, the judge deemed the Home Office's risk assessment process "rational" despite the Duke feeling it left his family vulnerable.
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The prospect of lethal threats, as alluded to by Harry in an interview, loom large in his thinking. He described worries over any "single individual" influenced by negative press portrayals taking harmful action like using a knife or acid on his loved ones. These genuine safety concerns led to criticism of the family's recent trip to Columbia while their ongoing situation in Britain remains unresolved.
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For now, the Duke and Duchess seem content raising Archie and Lilibet out of the public eye in California, prioritizing their well-being over royal obligations. While updates are sparse to protect the children's privacy, this rare insight into their reportedly joyful dispositions is a welcomed reassurance the family is happily thriving across the Atlantic, away from the pressures of the Palace. Their story outside the fold depicts an alternative path for royals seeking a more normal upbringing for the next generation.
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