Here's Why Princess Eugenie's Child Won't Get A Royal Title
The world of royal titles can be confusing — especially if you're not from the UK. After Prince Harry and Meghan Markle opted not to give their son, Archie, a royal title and the "His Royal Highness" designation, it appears that some of the Windsor cousins may follow suit. Indeed, Archie is officially known as the Earl of Dumbarton, but his parents want him to have as normal a life as possible, Vanity Fair explains.
As for other royal family members who have refrained from using titles that some see as antiquated, Prince Edward and his wife, Sophie, Countess of Wessex, announced that none of their children would take official titles upon their birth. The Countess explained the decision to the Sunday Times earlier this year, saying, "We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living. Hence we made the decision not to use HRH titles. They have them and can decide to use them from 18, but I think it's highly unlikely."
But, for some royal family members, they don't even get the option. In September, Princess Eugenie announced that she was expecting her first child with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, People notes, and is due in early 2021. Since she isn't a senior "working royal," the princess can maintain a full-time job outside of the family.
The lack of title has to do with Princess Eugenie's gender
Part of the way that titles are passed down stems from their parents' position within the royal family. According to Cafe Mom, both Eugenie and her sister, Beatrice, have honorary titles as princesses. With these honorary titles, they're allowed to have an income outside of the royal family, but not to pass them down; plus, marriage to partners without titles complicates matters further. "Precedents set in recent decades with royal princesses marrying men without titles has consolidated the practice of children of these marriages being considered private individuals without title, despite their royal antecedents," constitutional expert, Iain MacMarthanne, explains to Express.
Plus, females lack the ability to pass on titles, he notes, thus making the possibility of Eugenie's child having a title even more remote. But, with a back seat role in the family and a full-time job at an art gallery, Eugenie seems to have her hands full already. According to People, she's also a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust charity, alongside her mother and sister.
Breaking royal tradition even more, Eugenie is also one of the most active family members on social media, giving the public intimate glimpses into her life. Title or not, Eugenie's child is sure to be just fine.