Archie Mountbatten-Windsor Turns Seven: A Look at His Life, Title, and Future
Privilege and Privacy in Montecito
Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and a grandson of King Charles III, celebrated his seventh birthday on May 6. The young royal resides with his family in Montecito, California, living a life removed from the daily functions of the British monarchy.
Status and the Prince Title
Archie is currently sixth in line to the British throne. Following the accession of his grandfather, King Charles III, he became legally entitled to the title of "Prince" under standard royal protocol established by King George V.
Despite this entitlement, his parents have chosen not to use a courtesy title. He is officially styled as Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.
Meghan Markle addressed the decision regarding titles in a 2021 interview, describing it as a “birthright” for her children to decide upon for themselves when they are older.
Security and a Potential Return to Royal Duties
The family’s decision to step down as senior working royals in 2020 led to the loss of their taxpayer-funded security detail.
According to a 2025 report from The Guardian, Prince Harry has expressed a wish that Archie and his sister, Lilibet, retain the option to become working royals in the future if they so choose.
Personal Ambitions
Beyond the complexities of royal protocol, Archie has reportedly developed a specific interest regarding his career ambitions. He has told his parents that he wants to be an astronaut or a pilot.