Royal | News - Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning on protecting Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet until they reach the age of 18 but will be allowed a free rein after that.
According to an extremely well-placed source, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will allow their children to choose their future path by seeing what they gravitate towards and what interests them the most.
The source adds that both Archie and Lilibet will be encouraged to take on an active role in the Invictus Games and the family’s Archewell Foundation and expand them into areas they feel passionate about.
“Harry and Meghan are very keen to allow their children to choose their own paths,” said the source. “They’re very keen for them to focus on things they feel most passionate about while also supporting the family’s causes – like the Archewell Foundation and the Invictus Games.
“There’s a conscious effort to keep the children out of the public eye as much as possible until they reach the age of 18, so they can form their own opinions and personalities.
“Once they reach the age of maturity, it’s going to be very much about what they want to do, and what they choose to support.
“I suppose it will be like the cool cousins abroad who can live their lives the way they wish while the Wales children will be more about duty and formality.”
Despite a focus on ensuring the Sussex children have “as normal an upbringing as possible” there still could be opportunities where they are seen in public if the event is viewed as non-exploitative.
“There could be the odd time the Sussex children might attend very important key events where their inclusion makes sense,” said the source. “The Invictus Games in Canada next year is very much about supporting the Invictus family and building a sense of community, with attendees being encouraged to bring their children, so that’s something where their inclusion would make sense.
“But it’s not something that either Harry or Meghan want to adopt as a rule.”
Prince Harry will turn 40 on September 15 and, as he gears up for the big day, the Duke of Sussex opened up about the “best gift” he has ever received.
The Duke, who now lives in Montecito, California, with his wife Meghan Markle and their young children Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, said they are the best present he has ever had.
In a recent message to People, he said: “The best gift I’ve ever been given is, without a doubt, my kids. I cherish watching them grow every day, and being their dad brings me immense joy.”
The Duke is expected to spend his birthday with Meghan and their children, followed by a celebration with close friends.
The couple have mostly kept their young children out of the spotlight.
It has been speculated that one of the reasons why Archie and Lili aren’t in the public eye, is the Duke’s concern over security.
A friend of the Duke claimed to People: “Harry has been cautious about showcasing his children publicly, not out of a wish to obscure them but to shield their privacy and ensure their safety from potential risks.
“He wants them to enjoy as normal a life as possible, free from fears of kidnapping or harm.”
The friend added: “As a father and husband, Harry is resolute in his commitment to preventing history from repeating itself.”
The Sussexes have been approached for comment.