**King Charles Reportedly Left Puzzled by Sussexes’ Passport Bid for Their Children**
King Charles III has found himself at the centre of renewed royal family tensions, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent efforts surrounding their children’s status have sparked widespread debate and media attention. The latest flashpoint involves reports that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are seeking new passports for their son Prince Archie and daughter Princess Lilibet, a move seen by some as potentially paving the way for their future involvement in royal duties.
The request for fresh passports for the Sussex children has been interpreted by several royal observers as an unexpected development, considering Meghan and Harry’s well-documented withdrawal from active royal life in 2020. Their public criticism of the royal institution during high-profile interviews only added to the perception that the couple had firmly closed the door on official royal engagements in the United Kingdom.
A source close to the Duke and Duchess was cited by The Guardian, suggesting the underlying intention for the passport applications is to give their children “the freedom, when they are older, to decide whether they wish to become working royals or live outside the public spotlight.” This move, the source claims, is meant to preserve options for Archie and Lilibet rather than dictate their futures.
Not everyone accepts this explanation at face value. Behind the scenes, it is believed there is growing frustration as the Sussexes encounter delays and administrative obstacles in securing the documentation. Some speculate within royal circles that Meghan and Harry blame King Charles himself, suspecting that the monarch may be exerting influence over the government’s handling of their application. However, Buckingham Palace firmly denies any interference.
In response to these suggestions, a palace representative issued a statement to the press, asserting, “King Charles, who is currently contending with cancer and the significant responsibility of monarchy, has far more pressing matters to manage than individual passport requests.” The statement’s tone reportedly reflects a mix of amusement and irritation, according to sources relayed by the Mirror US.
Reports from The Daily Mail add a layer of royal scepticism. According to insiders, King Charles is both surprised and entertained by the notion that Archie and Lilibet could feasibly be asked to assume royal responsibilities in the future, especially considering their parents’ very public departure in 2020. The twist, as interpreted by royal correspondents, is seen as paradoxical—given the Sussexes’ insistence on seclusion from royal life just a few years ago.
Further complicating the landscape is the role of Prince William, heir to the throne. Sources familiar with his thinking suggest he is strongly opposed to the idea of his niece and nephew stepping into official capacities as working royals. Reports from The Daily Beast allege that William sees the suggestion as little more than an instance of provocation by his brother and sister-in-law.
Royal expert Richard Eden, writing in the Daily Mail, touches upon another rumoured development: when Prince William ascends to the throne, there may be a wider strategy to “slim down” the monarchy, including removing His/Her Royal Highness (HRH) titles from Archie and Lilibet. Such plans have not been confirmed but are frequently discussed among royal watchers as part of broader modernisation efforts.
This episode serves as another chapter in the ongoing, complex relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. It highlights ongoing questions about tradition, individual choice, and the expectations placed on those born into royal lineage.
The public and media response in the UK has, as expected, been varied. Some express sympathy for the Sussexes’ desire to give their children autonomy, while others view their actions with suspicion or as an attempt to keep their options open for further engagement—or confrontation—with the royal institution.
As speculation continues, the fate of Archie and Lilibet’s official status, as well as the broader shape of the future British monarchy, remains open to question. What is clear is that, for now, this family saga continues to command public attention and provoke passionate discussion on both sides of the Atlantic.