The speculation surrounding Meghan Markle and Prince Harry‘s royal titles continues, igniting discussions about what might happen if they were to lose them.
Kinsey Schofield, the host of the To Di for Daily podcast, suggests that stripping the Sussexes of their titles would involve much more than just a simple decision by the monarchy.
It’s a topic that hasn’t been up for serious consideration in a while between King Charles and Prince William.
Many believe that Harry and Meghan are benefiting from their royal titles without fulfilling the accompanying duties.
However, Schofield points out that relinquishing these titles is not currently on King Charles or Prince William’s agenda.
Should they lose the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, Harry would still retain his birthright as a prince, reverting to the title of Prince Henry, since royal tradition dictates that a princess assumes her husband’s name.
Interestingly, many outlets report that Harry and Meghan may continue to wield their titles even if they are no longer functioning members of the royal family.
Schofield mentions that, particularly in the United States, the titles have nearly become a marketing asset for the couple.
Ingrid Seward, the editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, echoes this sentiment and believes that residents of the U.S. might find it confusing if Meghan were to be addressed as Princess Henry.
She argues that leaving the titles as they are might be the kinder option, noting that stripping them could be seen as an unnecessary punitive measure.
Meghan, who became the Duchess of Sussex upon marrying Harry in 2018, would technically transition into Princess Henry should her title be revoked.
This shift aligns with royal protocol, which suggests that women take their husband’s name in an official capacity.
Interestingly, this principle was similarly applied to Kate Middleton when she married Prince William, as she could officially be recognized as Princess William, although she is widely known as the Princess of Wales.
An intriguing facet is that on some official documents for their children, including Archie and Lilibet, their parents’ titles are referred to, although Meghan does not officially hold a princess title.
As the family navigates their lives, it’s worth noting that Princess Lilibet’s upcoming birthday is also a focal point.
Recently, the couple celebrated Lilibet’s pre-birthday festivities in California, with the little princess turning three on June 4.
Royal expert Tom Quinn claims that both King Charles and William have engaged in private discussions about potentially stripping Harry and Meghan of their titles.
However, they fear this could backfire and worsen the couple’s already strained relationship with the family.
The prevailing concern seems to be that any retaliatory action would just add fuel to the fire, providing Harry and Meghan new fodder for grievances.
Some believe that King Charles has already made it clear that Harry and Meghan would retain their titles but not the HRH honorific, a decision previously aligned with how Princess Diana was treated post-divorce.
Observers argue that focusing on removing titles now seems counterproductive, especially with the pressing health concerns facing the royal family.
With both King Charles and Kate Middleton embroiled in serious health challenges, it appears that re-evaluating Harry and Meghan’s titles is not a priority.
Charles may perceive any punitive measures as petty, especially given the ongoing family dynamics that have become very public over the years.
Harry’s relationship with his family has been turbulent since he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
The brothers have remained distant, and this tension was palpable during the recent coronation when they were not seen engaged with one another.
In his memoir, “Spare,” Harry recounts past disputes, including a physical altercation with William, and points fingers at his stepmother, accusing her of leaking information to the press.
He has spoken about potentially using his father’s illness as a bridge to help mend familial rifts.
Despite the tensions, some believe discussions behind closed doors are ongoing, aimed at maintaining a semblance of family unity without diving into unnecessary drama.
They aim to minimize any public disputes stemming from their decisions about titles and branding.
While it might seem tempting to make drastic changes, such actions could yield the opposite of the intended effect and solidify the Sussexes’ status as victims in the eyes of the public.
There’s also a looming question regarding what might happen if Harry were to become an American citizen—could that complicate his title situation?
In essence, the royal family’s ongoing endeavors revolve around balancing tradition and modern dynamics, all while hoping to avoid any escalated conflicts that could arise within their ranks.
They appear focused on healing rather than punishment as they navigate these complex familial relationships.
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