Constitutional expert Iain MacMarthanne explained: “As things presently stand, and irrespective of his parents’ withdrawal from front line royal duties, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, otherwise the Earl of Dumbarton, and upon the accession of his grandfather HRH Prince Archie of Sussex, unless the Queen determines otherwise in the meantime, is, by courtesy, an earl, and will become an HRH and Prince.
“Despite Letters Patent stating one thing, it remains the right of his parents, in consultation with the monarch, to dispense with the use of any and all titles due to him by right.”
He added: “By Letters Patent, unless changed, there is no escaping the legal fact of them, notwithstanding that personal choice, with the approval of the monarch, can subvert them.
“In the case of the duke and duchess of Sussex, they have made clear they have no wish for their son to have, or use any title.”
