Prince Harry Has Not Returned to Royal Duties—And No, Lilibet Didn’t “Ascend the Throne”
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, continues to be one of the most closely followed figures from the British royal family—especially among Americans. His break from royal life, his transatlantic move with Meghan Markle, and their continued work in public advocacy have kept them in the spotlight. But despite persistent internet rumors and misleading viral posts, Prince Harry has not resumed any official royal duties, nor has he made a public appearance at Buckingham Palace with his daughter, Princess Lilibet, in any royal capacity.
Here’s what’s actually going on—based on credible reports from the BBC, Royal.uk, and other trusted sources.
Lilibet Diana: A Princess by Name, Not by Role
Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, born June 4, 2021, is the daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Named after her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II (whose childhood nickname was “Lilibet”) and her grandmother Princess Diana, Lilibet was born in California and is being raised in the U.S.
She holds American citizenship and is eligible for British citizenship through her father. In 2023, a spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed that both of their children now use royal titles—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—following King Charles III’s ascension to the throne. This change is in line with established royal protocol under the 1917 Letters Patent.
But it’s important to note: while the children have titles, they do not carry out royal duties or appear at official events. The Sussexes have chosen a more private path for their family, and that includes keeping their children mostly out of the public eye.
No Royal Return—And Definitely No Throne
Despite clickbait headlines circulating on social media, Prince Harry has not returned to the royal family in any working role. He stepped back from official duties in 2020, and nothing has changed on that front. Claims that he or his daughter Lilibet have “ascended the throne” are completely false—and constitutionally impossible.
As of May 2025, the current line of succession is as follows:
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Prince William
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Prince George
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Princess Charlotte
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Prince Louis
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Prince Harry
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Prince Archie
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Princess Lilibet
King Charles III remains monarch, with Prince William next in line. Any speculation suggesting that Harry has bypassed the succession order is pure fiction.
Private Family Life with Limited Public Appearances
Since leaving the U.K., the Sussexes have built a life centered around philanthropic work and media projects through their Archewell Foundation. They’ve partnered with Netflix and Spotify, launched mental health initiatives, and supported causes like veterans’ services and climate advocacy.
While Harry and Meghan continue to make appearances in the public eye, their children are rarely seen. Princess Lilibet made her only public appearance (so far) in a birthday portrait released in 2022, taken during a private celebration in the U.K. No public events or appearances at royal palaces have occurred.
Where Things Stand with the Royal Family
Harry’s relationship with his family remains complex but ongoing. He’s made several solo trips back to the U.K., including for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and King Charles’s coronation. Meghan and the children have largely remained in California during these visits.
Behind the scenes, limited communication is believed to continue, though most of it stays out of public view. There’s no evidence of a full reconciliation, but there’s also no confirmation of a total break.
Bottom Line: Don’t Believe the Clickbait
There’s a lot of misinformation out there, especially when it comes to high-profile families like the Sussexes. To stay informed, rely on trustworthy outlets like the BBC, Reuters, or Royal.uk—and treat sensational headlines with a healthy dose of skepticism.
For now, Prince Harry remains a private citizen living in the U.S., raising his family and continuing his advocacy work. And Princess Lilibet? She’s a toddler—not a queen-in-waiting.
