5 Things Archie and Lilibet Will Be Allowed to Do on UK Return That George, Charlotte and Louis Can't

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will finally be seeing what life is like in the UK, after spending all their lives in California. While Archie and Lilibet are royals, given the time they spent abroad, they have had very different experiences when compared with their cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Their positions in the line of succession and their parents’ choices could give the Sussex children more freedom as they grow older. From career choices to travel and public appearances, here are five areas where Archie and Lilibet's future will look vastly different.

Although royals, Archie and Lilibet have a particularly unusual position because of their connections to both Britain and the United States. As American citizens, they can hold U.S. passports and, once adults, they can enjoy the rights that come with American citizenship, including voting and potentially seeking public office if they meet the relevant requirements. They also hold British citizenship by birth through their father, Prince Harry. The siblings can also travel freely abroad without triggering any constitutional residency questions. This could make it easier for them to build lives between Britain, America, or any other country.

Unlike George, Charlotte and Louis, Archie and Lilibet are less likely to be expected to become working royals. This will give them considerably more freedom when choosing careers later in life. They could pursue ordinary professions, launch businesses, or work in entertainment and other commercial industries. They are also not bound by royal protocol regarding commercial enterprise and can pursue brand deals without needing approval from the monarchy. Additionally, George, Charlotte, and Louis are strictly prohibited from using their royal titles for professional gain, but Archie and Lilibet have the freedom to do as they please.

Archie and Lilibet would also get a more private school life without media scrutiny. They could potentially build friendships in more ordinary community settings, although their security and family profile would still mean that completely normal childhood experiences may be difficult even for them. George, Charlotte, and Louis, meanwhile, have grown up under intense public interest because of their positions and future roles.

Archie and Lilibet may also have more freedom when it comes to their personal style. George, Charlotte and Louis are frequently photographed at official occasions, family gatherings and major royal events, where their clothing naturally attracts attention and is often expected to fit the occasion. The Sussex children are less likely to face the same level of formal royal expectations. As they grow older, this could allow them to experiment more freely with their wardrobes and develop their own personal styles without constantly being viewed through a royal lens.

Perhaps one of the biggest differences will be the number of official events Archie and Lilibet are expected to attend. George, Charlotte, and Louis sit at the line of succession and are likely to take on greater public responsibilities as they grow older. Archie and Lilibet, meanwhile, are much further down the succession and are not expected to become working royals. This will allow them to skip events without obligation and have a life of their own, especially since Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from the royal fold.