Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently introduced their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor to the world. But even though the Duke and Duchess Of Sussex were the parents, a new report claims they don't have the full legal custody of their son. Instead, Queen Elizabeth II is reportedly the one who has the full legal custody of baby Archie.
Marlene Koenig, a royal expert, talked about the topic regarding legal custody when it comes to royal babies. She noted that a royal quirk means Her Majesty holds full legal custody of Prince Harry and Markle's firstborn, as well as future children.
During the reign of George I, legislation was reportedly passed which entails that the Queen would be responsible for the care and in charge of minor royal family children. That only means that aside from Baby Archie, Kate Middleton and Prince William's children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis - were included as well.
According to Koenig, Queen Elizabeth is the one who has full legal custody of the minor grandchildren. The legislation is reportedly known as "The Grand Opinion for the Prerogative Concerning the Royal Family," which was introduced by King George I back in 1717.
It was said that the King passed this so he could have full control over their education, as well as raising and the marriage of his grandchildren. In a report from The Independent, Koenig noted George I didn't get along well with his son, the future George II. The legislation reportedly came when the latter didn't want to have godparents for his son that his father wanted.
So now, Koenig said the law gave Queen Elizabeth the power to deny or allow the trips of her great-grandchildren abroad when they are still minors. The royal expert also revealed that the Queen's son Prince Charles and his first wife Princess Diana asked Her Majesty's permission when they're traveling abroad with Prince William and Prince Charles, particularly their trip to Scotland by plane. The monarch reportedly allowed that trip.
As Prince Harry got older, he would usually fly with his parents; while Prince William reportedly travels separately. Koenig also mentioned that in 1994, when Prince Charles and Princess Diana separated, the latter reportedly wanted to take their sons and live with her in Australia, but she couldn't because of the regulations laid out by the custody law.
Now, if this report is true, Prince Charles would likely get full legal custody of his grandchildren when he eventually ascends to the throne. Meanwhile, the publications reach out to Buckingham Palace regarding the custody agreement, but reps reportedly declined to comment.
