Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been highly critical of and distanced themselves somewhat from the British Royal Family over the past few years.

Yet, reports indicate that the Sussexes recently christened their young daughter Lilibet as a "princess," a move one Royal Family expert asserted was "predictable" and evidence that Harry remained a "monarchist" at heart, the Daily Mail reported.

The outlet further noted that Buckingham Palace will respect the move and honor the two Sussex children, Archie and Lilibet, with updated titles on the palace's website.

Royal titles claimed

People magazine reported Wednesday that Prince Harry and Meghan held a small private ceremony in Montecito, California on Friday to christen their 21-month-old daughter Lilibet Diana, and it was in an announcement about that ceremony that the royal "princess" title was claimed for the little girl.

A spokesperson for the duke and duchess told the outlet, "I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3 by the bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor."

"The children's titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch," the spokesperson added. "This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace."

Indeed, People noted that the palace website, which currently lists the two children as "Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor" and "Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor," will soon be changed to reflect their respective titles as "prince" and "princess."

The outlet further reported on the private christening ceremony itself, attended by around 20-30 guests, including several celebrities,

It was also noted that, per an unnamed source, both King Charles and Queen Camilla as well as Prince William and Princess Kate were invited to the christening but did not attend the event.

Proof that Prince Harry remains a "monarchist"

The U.K. Mirror reported on the news of the christening of Lilibet and the claimed royal titles for the children and asked royal historian Dr. Tessa Dunlop for her take on what occurred in light of Harry's seemingly troubled relationship with his own Royal Family.

"For those of you in any doubt that Harry remains at his core a monarchist, here's the proof: his daughter Lilibet has just been christened Princess Lilibet Diana in California," Dunlop said. "The Sussexes have subsequently confirmed that they intend to use the titles of prince and princess for their son Archie and daughter Lilibet."

"A long way from home, the couple's self-imposed exile has apparently served to remind them of the value of Britain's monarchy, especially in the USA," she continued. "Harry and Meghan have justified their decision on the basis that they're keen not to deny their children their birthright."

"In many ways the move is predictable. If the couple had really wanted to cut free of The Firm they would have shed their own Duke and Duchess privilege. Not a chance," Dunlop stated. "They understand in the slippery world of Californian celebrity, brands (especially brands with a tinge of monarchical magic) are priceless."

"Least we are in any doubt, Harry has made his recent millions trading off his royal heritage. No wonder he is keeping his children's options open," she added.

"Highly unlikely" King Charles would deny the titles of his grandchildren

As for how the news would be received at Buckingham Palace and among others in the Royal Family, given the ongoing feud, Dunlop told the Mirror that some may not like it but would nonetheless go along with it.

Further, she said it was "highly unlikely" that King Charles would seek to punish his wayward son by denying his two grandchildren their proper birthright and royal titles.

Such an act would be "highly provocative" and not at all in keeping with the current "mood" of "conciliation" embraced by the new king, as he is reportedly "keen to build bridges with his youngest son, not burn them down."