Prince Harry and Meghan Markle retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles when stepping down from the Royal Family but should the King strip them now?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, despite stepping down from their roles as senior working members of the British Royal Family and relocating to the United States, retained their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This decision has been a subject of significant debate and criticism. The issue has come to the forefront once again as discussions have emerged about whether King Charles III should now strip them of these titles.

According to a royal author and expert, King Charles III has engaged in “lengthy discussions” regarding the possibility of stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their royal titles. These discussions have reportedly involved key members of the Royal Family, including Prince William. The debates have centered around the implications and potential repercussions of such a decision.

The controversy began when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from their duties as senior working royals in early 2020. As part of their departure, they agreed to relinquish their His and Her Royal Highness (HRH) prefixes and Prince Harry gave up his honorary military titles. Despite these concessions, the couple was allowed to retain their dukedom, which has continued to attract criticism from various quarters.

Tom Quin, a royal author and commentator, has shed light on the internal deliberations within the Royal Family. In an interview with The Mirror, Quin revealed that King Charles and Prince William have had extensive conversations about the possibility of removing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles from Harry and Meghan. Quin noted that the royals are acutely aware of the complexities involved in such a decision. They are concerned that stripping the titles could potentially backfire, exacerbating the situation and creating further public and media scrutiny.

The retention of the Sussex titles by Harry and Meghan has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that it is inappropriate for them to continue holding these titles while living in the United States and no longer performing royal duties. Supporters of the couple, however, argue that they have made significant personal and professional strides since their departure from royal life, including charitable work and ventures in media and entertainment.

The discussions about potentially stripping the titles underscore the delicate balance the Royal Family must maintain between tradition and modernity, as well as the ongoing challenges posed by Harry and Meghan’s unique position. The situation reflects broader questions about the role and relevance of the monarchy in the 21st century, especially in the context of family dynamics and public perception.

In summary, while King Charles and other senior royals have considered the possibility of removing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, they remain cautious about the potential fallout from such a move. The debates highlight the ongoing complexities and sensitivities surrounding the couple’s departure from royal duties and their continued association with the British monarchy.