The doors of Westminster Abbey had barely closed on King Charles III’s grand coronation ceremony when shock waves reverberated through Buckingham Palace once more. In a surprise move, the UK Parliament announced an official investigation into the legitimacy of Prince Harry and Meghan’s children, Archie and Lilibet, and their place in the line of succession.

The announcement, coming just days after the coronation celebrations, caught the Duke and Duchess of Sussex completely off guard. Sources say Meghan in particular is panicked over potential consequences if the probe undermines her children’s royal status.

The investigation was proposed by a group of Conservative MPs who argue irregularities surrounding Archie and Lilibet’s births and christenings raise serious doubts. Chief among the concerns is Archie’s birth certificate omitting Harry’s customary “His Royal Highness” title and rumors Lilibet’s christening occurred privately in California rather than a royal chapel.

“There are too many unanswered questions and details that don’t add up,” says Conservative MP Sir James Bellingham. “The British people deserve transparency to restore confidence in the monarchy.”

The announcement has left Harry and Meghan reeling. A palace spokesperson released a short statement saying the couple is “deeply disappointed” by the “politically motivated smear campaign.”

Royal experts believe the probe could have far-reaching implications beyond just Archie and Lilibet’s status. If it calls their legitimacy into question, it could significantly alter the line of succession by elevating more distant royal relatives above the Sussex children.

“This is an incredibly serious situation,” notes royal biographer Penny Junor. “It not only raises doubts about Harry and Meghan’s children but strikes at the core of stability and continuity for the monarchy.” Should Archie and Lilibet be deemed ineligible, it would spark a constitutional crisis of epic proportions.Ads

For Meghan, the personal stakes are even higher. Since her and Harry’s 2020 exit, she has weathered relentless rumors and accusations regarding everything from bullying palace staff to suggestions her marriage was a ploy for status. An investigation casting doubt on Archie and Lilibet’s legitimacy could be the “final nail in the coffin,” destroying any remaining goodwill.

The Sussexes’ lawyer Michael Burke has vehemently denied such “baseless smears” intended to discredit the couple. He has vowed a fierce legal battle to defend Archie and Lilibet’s birthright, slamming the probe as “a blatant attempt to undermine the duke, duchess and their children.”

Yet despite defiant stances, royal watchers believe the investigation could deal another blow to Harry and Meghan’s already fractured relationship with the royal family. King Charles, who has sought to heal divisions since becoming monarch, is said to be deeply troubled by potential fallout.

“The King was hoping to use the coronation to bring everyone together,” says royal correspondent Emily Andrews. “Now he faces a messy public battle that could tear them apart all over again.”

As the complex, drawn-out inquiry looms with no clear timeline, Meghan and Harry remain hunkered at their California home, braced for the storm ahead. Only time will tell if this crisis eclipses all others in severing ties between the Sussexes and the newly-crowned King’s court for good.