Prince Harry and Meghan's hope for Archie and Lilibet 'met with bemusement'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's apparent hope that their two children will be able to rejoin the fold if they wish in the future has been "met with bemusement". The couple, who now reside in California, are proud parents to six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet.

Although Meghan and Harry are adament in keeping their children out of the spotlight, they have made it clear they want them to retain their royal titles. Archie and Lilibet are currently sixth and seventh in line to the throne respectively, and reports have claimed that despite quitting royal life themselves, Harry and Meghan are keen for their children to make their own decisions about their futures.

When reports first appeared that Harry still saw the possibility of a royal future for Archie and Lilibet, royal insiders were said to be confused.

As reported by The Sunday Times, there was reportedly "bemusement in royal circles" after Harry's reported claim.

Reported in June, on Prince William's 43rd birthday, sources said: "Under the next reign, roles for Archie and Lili as working royals are unlikely."

According to i Paper, royal expert Richard Palmer said: "If Prince Harry and Meghan had stayed, they would have had a prominent role, but the chances of their children representing the British monarchy in the future are said to be negligible, and probably would have been even if their parents had remained."

William, who is next in line to the throne, is said to have a desire to slim down the monarchy when he becomes King - taking inspiration from other European Firms.

It has been suggested that even William's two youngest children - Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis - may not act as full-time working royals.

Archie was born in London in 2019 and, unlike her brother, Lilibet was born in California on June 4, 2021.

The family-of-four currently reside in Monetcito, California.