Prince William has decided to confirm that he would be stripping Harry and Meghan of their royal titles so they cannot use HRH, which represents His or Her Royal Highness.
This would immediately come into play when he becomes the monarch after King Charles.
The news arrived after it went viral online that Meghan had used the HRH title in a personal correspondence.
The former Suits star was granted the style of HRH in 2018 when she took on the role to become the Duchess of Sussex upon her marriage to Harry, who was already born HRH.
Meghan and Harry agreed never to use this style when they stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in the year 2020, though they technically remained Their Royal Highnesses.
Prince William also found himself at odds with his dad, King Charles, who, sources lacks the appetite for a fight on this matter.
This HRH row began to simmer even more a week ago when Meghan shared through her account on Instagram a screenshot of the letter she got from the first deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, who went as far as to address her from her royal status.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through royal circles, Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, is reportedly planning to strip his estranged brother Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle of their “HRH” titles when he ascends to the throne. This decision comes as part of a larger effort to restore what some royal insiders refer to as the “integrity” of the monarchy, which has been severely challenged by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s public actions and statements.
The controversy surrounding Meghan and Harry has been ongoing since they made the unprecedented decision to step back from their royal duties in early 2020. Their subsequent moves, including a highly publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, have sparked an outpouring of criticism and support in equal measure. Their criticism of the royal family, particularly of Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members, has caused considerable tension within the royal household, leading many to believe that their departure from royal duties was not just a matter of personal choice, but a rift that may have long-term consequences for their standing within the monarchy.
Prince William, who is first in line to the throne, has reportedly felt the strain of these controversies deeply. A source close to the royal family shared that William believes the titles of “HRH” should be reserved for those who fully embrace the responsibility and duty that come with being a part of the monarchy. “The monarchy is built on tradition and respect, and Harry and Meghan’s actions have undermined that,” the source stated. “William feels that as king, he has a duty to uphold the values of the crown and ensure that those who hold royal titles continue to honor the role.”
The HRH titles were given to Harry and Meghan by Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day in 2018, but their use of these titles has become increasingly controversial since their decision to step back from royal duties. The couple has since moved to California, where they have pursued various commercial and philanthropic ventures. Their decision to use their titles for personal gain, such as in their Netflix and Spotify deals, has raised concerns within the royal family about the integrity of the monarchy and whether such actions are in keeping with the values of the British royal institution.
Prince William’s rumored plan to strip Meghan and Harry of their titles is not the first time the subject has come up. In 2021, there was widespread speculation that the couple could be stripped of their titles as part of the fallout from their departure from royal life. However, with Queen Elizabeth still on the throne, no definitive action was taken. Now, with the prospect of William’s reign looming, many believe this may be the moment for a final resolution on the matter.
The move would represent a significant shift in the monarchy’s approach to titles and royal duties. If implemented, it would send a strong message about the importance of duty and responsibility in the royal family. It could also pave the way for future generations of royals to take a more assertive approach when it comes to ensuring the monarchy’s relevance and public image in the modern world.
While Prince William has yet to confirm his intentions publicly, his stance on the matter seems clear. As king, he is likely to prioritize the stability and unity of the monarchy over the personal choices of its members. For Meghan and Harry, this would mean the possible loss of their official titles, an act that would mark the final chapter in their turbulent relationship with the royal family.
In the eyes of many royal watchers, this development would be the ultimate consequence of the Sussexes’ controversial decisions over the past few years. As Prince William prepares for his future as king, it seems that the monarchy will undergo significant changes, with a firm focus on maintaining tradition and upholding the values of the crown.