Meghan Markle is allegedly “panicked and defiant” over fears Prince William will move to strip her Duchess of Sussex title when he becomes monarch.

Markle, 44, and Harry, 41, remain the Duke and Duchess of Sussex despite giving up royal duties five years ago and publicly slamming the monarchy.

However, the recent decision to strip Prince Andrew and Fergie of their royal titles has reportedly sent a chill through Montecito, with the Sussexes fearing they could be next.

According to royal sources, Markle believes she could be next in line for a royal reckoning due to her public criticism of the monarchy and money-making schemes using her title.

Meghan Markle on stage in Washington D.C last month. Picture: Images for Fortune Media.

“Meghan’s really anxious that William could one day use his position to strip her of the title,” a source close to the couple told Radar Online.

“She’s been telling friends, ‘No one’s taking my ‘Duchess’ away.’

“To her, it’s so much more than a title – it’s tied to who she is, what she’s built and how the world sees her. Losing it would feel like being written out of the story entirely.”

Markle continues to use the prestigious title to profit off her business ventures, including her As Ever product line which is marketed as “by the Duchess of Sussex”.