These Royals Have ‘Replaced’ the Sussex Kids as George, Charlotte, and Louis’ Closest Cousins

Archie and Lili are 'missing out' on time with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, who have 'replaced' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's kids 'in many ways' with other royals.

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s rift with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has taken a major toll on the two couples’ children. Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis aren’t close with their cousins, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. So much so that, according to a royal author, Archie and Lili have been “replaced” by other royal cousins who have become close to the Wales kids.

George, Charlotte, and Louis know ‘very little’ about cousins Archie and Lili

Speaking to The Sun’s Fabulous magazine, royal author Phil Dampier claimed George, Charlotte, and Louis don’t know much about their California-based cousins.

“It’s so sad that the Wales kids basically know very little about their cousins across the pond and are never likely to be close to them,” he said. “It’s not thought that George, Charlotte, and Louis have ever met Archie and Lilibet.”

Harry and Meghan welcomed Archie in May 2019 before leaving royal life in 2020 and relocating to Montecito, California. Before Archie was born tensions had already been brewing between Harry and Meghan and William and Kate. By the time Lili came along in June 2021, things had gotten worse. (Remember, the Sussexes’ Oprah interview aired in March of that year.)

Because of the estrangement, George, Charlotte, and Lili didn’t see Archie and Lili in 2022 when the Sussex family visited England. “Although they were invited to Lilibet’s first birthday party at Frogmore Cottage [Harry and Meghan’s former U.K. home], they did not go,” Dampier claimed.

The Tindall children have ‘replaced’ Archie and Lili ‘in many ways’ for George, Charlotte, and Louis

So, who has “replaced” Archie and Lili? Zara and Mike Tindall’s kids: Mia, Lena, and Lucas. “In many ways, the children of Zara and Mike Tindall have replaced Archie and Lilibet as the closest cousins of George, Charlotte, and Louis,” Dampier said.

Not only are the Wales kids close in age to their Tindall cousins—Mia, Lena, and Lucas are 10, 6, and 3—but their parents are close. Mike is said to have become part of William’s “inner circle,” and the couples are seen chatting at many royal family events.

Dampier also claimed William and Kate’s kids enjoy being with the Tindalls because “when they see each other, the fun is infectious. At Christmas at Sandringham, at events like Trooping the Colour, state occasions, or holidays at Balmoral, the cousins play together and get on well.”

“It’s something Archie and Lilibet are missing out on,” he added. “And you just wonder if in years to come, when they grow up, they will start asking their parents why they are estranged from the royal family.”

More bonding time is in store for the Tindall and Wales cousins soon. While a scheduling conflict may keep Mia, Lena, and Lucas from hanging out with George, Charlotte, and Louis at Balmoral, King Charles III is reportedly eager for the Tindalls to come. So much so that he’ll even change the schedule so they don’t miss out on some family traditions.

Having a relationship will be complicated for Archie, Lili, George, Charlotte, and Louis

Not only would George, Charlotte, and Louis’ lives seem “alien” to Archie and Lili, but, according to author Tom Quinn, the five royals will likely face challenges if and when they someday try to build a relationship.

“I can imagine one of them […] when they’re older might reach out and think, ‘We really need to do something about this,’” he said.

Their parents’ history and being in the spotlight will, Quinn predicted, make it difficult if one of them ever reaches out.

“I think if they’re constantly under the media spotlight, it will be very difficult for them because everyone will comment on it,” the author explained. “If they suddenly meet up, the press will get hold of it and make a big thing of it, and they’ll be back to square one.”