Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales
Prince William and Catherine have three children, who are the oldest great-grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth. Their first child, Prince George of Wales, was born on July 22, 2013, making him the eldest grandchild and great-grandchild in the direct line. He is third in line to the British throne and currently attends school in the UK. For details on the royal succession rules, see the official line of succession explained by the Royal Family.
Their second child, Princess Charlotte of Wales, was born on May 2, 2015, and is the second oldest great-grandchild. She is fourth in line to the throne and, under the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, her birth did not displace her older brother. Their youngest child, Prince Louis of Wales, was born on April 23, 2018, and is the third oldest great-grandchild, currently fifth in line to the throne. The family’s public engagements are often shared through the official Kensington Palace channels.
Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Prince Harry and Meghan have two children who are younger than William’s three. Their first child, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, was born on May 6, 2019, making him the fourth oldest great-grandchild. He is sixth in line to the British throne and lives primarily in the United States with his parents. The couple’s decision to step back from senior royal duties was widely reported by major outlets, including coverage by Forbes.
Their second child, Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, was born on June 4, 2021, and is the youngest of Queen Elizabeth’s great-grandchildren. She is seventh in line to the throne and, as of 2024, is one of the most recent additions to the royal family tree. The Sussexes’ official updates are typically shared through their independent media platform.
Line of Succession and Public Roles
The order of birth among the great-grandchildren directly shapes the line of succession to the British throne. Prince George is third, Princess Charlotte is fourth, Prince Louis is fifth, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor is sixth, and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor is seventh in line. The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 removed male primogeniture, meaning birth order alone determines rank regardless of gender. For the full legal framework, refer to the official legislation on the UK Government website.
While the older children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, regularly appear in official royal engagements and school events, Archie and Lilibet have a more private upbringing in California. The children’s positions as future monarchs and public figures influence global media coverage and public interest. Their roles are shaped by constitutional conventions, with the eldest great-grandchild, Prince George, often cited as the most likely future King of the United Kingdom.