Where Is Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor In the Royal Line of Succession?
Let's just say...a few people are getting bumped down today.

Congratulations are in order for the Sussexes, who just became a family of four! Meghan Markle has given birth to her second child with Prince Harry, a daughter they named Lilibet "Lili" Diana. Archie's new sister will be the last child for the Sussexes, who have indicated in interviews that they plan to have only two children. And though Meghan and Harry have stepped down as senior royals, their new daughter is a close descendent of the Queen and the King-to-be, Prince Charles, and, therefore, is high up in the royal line of succession.
But just how high up, you ask? Well, let's say that a whole lot of royals are getting bumped down today. Among them are Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, and their children, and the Queen's other children, Andrew, Edward, and Anne. Notably not among them are Prince William and his kids, who are all higher up on the royal line of succession than Harry and his family.
Without further ado, here's the current line of succession now Lilibet is born:
- Queen Elizabeth II
- Prince Charles
- Prince William
- Prince George
- Princess Charlotte
- Prince Louis
- Prince Harry
- Archie Mountbatten-Windsor
- Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
- Prince Andrew
- Princess Beatrice
- Princess Eugenie
- August Brooksbank
If Kate Middleton and Prince William have any more kids, Lilibet will be bumped down to number ten—but at present, Lilibet is number nine in the royal line of succession, immediately followed by the Queen's three non-Charles kids and their own children.
It's extremely likely that Lilibet, like her brother Archie and cousin August, will not have a royal title, at least not for now. When Archie was born and christened without a royal title, it was assumed that this was Meghan and Harry's way of making sure he had a normal life—but in their tell-all Oprah interview, the couple disputed this. "They didn’t want him to be a prince or a princess, which would be different from protocol," Meghan said. "It was really hard.…This went on for the last few months of our pregnancy where I’m going, 'Hold on a second. How does that work?…If he’s not gonna be a prince, he needs to be safe.'" (Meghan was concerned that if Archie was not a prince, he would not get royal security.)
Meghan and Harry insinuated that the lack of title was a racist decision on the Palace's part. "All around this same time, we had in tandem the conversation of he won’t be given security, he’s not going to be given a title, and also concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born," Meghan told Oprah.
A palace source told Us Weekly that there was "protocol," however: "The palace says it’s nothing to do with race. Under royal protocol established by King George V, only those in the direct line of succession to the throne get the titles prince or princess...Archie would’ve been given a title when Prince Charles became king."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
What this does mean, of course, is that Archie may become a prince when Queen Elizabeth II's rule ends Prince Charles takes the throne—and his sister, Lilibet, a princess. And, of course, the entire line of succession will be changed at that point.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Styles Zebra Pants With Flip-Flops
Next stop on the tour: her elegant wedding venue in the South of France.
-
Gigi Hadid Pairs Metallic Track Pants and Mesh Flats
The controversial shoe trend is most definitely gaining steam.
-
Body Language Expert Says Kate Can't "Mask Her Emotions"
"We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
-
Body Language Expert Reveals Queen Elizabeth "Truly Embraced" Meghan Markle During Rare Joint Appearance as a "Double Act" in 2018
"The fact that the two of them were appearing together...was quite unique."
-
Why Princess Diana Once "Canceled Lunch" at Kensington Palace to Take Prince William and Prince Harry to McDonald's
A former royal chef revealed the relatable reason Diana took her kids to the popular fast food chain.
-
Prince William and Prince Harry Could Be "Tempted" to Secretly Bid on Their Mother's Outfits in New Auction
Who could blame them?
-
How a "Last-Minute" Message Called an Urgent "Ceasefire" Between Prince Harry and Prince William After Queen Elizabeth Died
"They are better and stronger together than they are apart."
-
How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Paid Tribute to Princess Diana With Princess Lilibet's 4th Birthday Celebration
The Sussexes spent "two days of pure joy" at Disneyland with their children.
-
Prince William Says Family Can Be a "Mixed Bag" Amid Rift With Prince Harry
The Prince of Wales referenced tough family dynamics during a chat with soldiers.
-
Princess Lilibet Has Prince Harry's Eyes in Adorable New Fourth Birthday Photos
Proud mom Meghan shared some unseen photos of Lili—and she looks just like her dad.
-
All About Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Two Rescue Dogs, Mamma Mia and Pula
Prince Harry says the pair are "emotional support dogs 100 percent, when they're behaving."