The royal titles of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, are under public scrutiny.
Fox News reported that the couple, known globally as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, might face changes in how they are addressed, but stripping them of titles is deemed unlikely.
Amidst varying opinions, insiders suggest practical issues and image concerns are obstacles to changing the couple's titles. Should Meghan and Harry lose their current titles, they would be addressed as Prince and Princess Henry, reflecting Prince Harry's birth name and inherent royal title.
This adjustment could boost their popularity, especially in the United States, where royal titles are highly valued. Royal commentator Helena Chard suggests this change could ironically enhance their social status.
Experts argue that removing the royal titles could inadvertently position Harry and Meghan as victims of mistreatment, complicating the already strained relations within the Royal Family. Richard Fitzwillman, a historian, suggests such a move could solidify divisions.
The couple's step back from senior royal responsibilities in 2020 further complicates the dynamics, placing them lower on the royal family's priority list.
Kinsey Schofield, a royal expert, explained the delicate nature of such discussions within the royal family.
There is no chance of this. This would allow Harry and Meghan to cast themselves as wronged victims… It would make ending the royal rift, which is desirable however long it takes, impossible. The king would never begin such a process. If Harry were to decide to become an American citizen, the matter of whether he could keep his title, which he already has, might become something of a cause célèbre.
Despite ongoing public and media speculation, substantial talks regarding removing the Sussexes' titles have not been prominent among senior royals, primarily due to other pressing issues like health concerns within the family.
Harry and Meghan moved to Montecito, California, and have since engaged in various personal and business endeavors, maintaining a significant public profile independent of their royal titles.
This dynamic has sparked discussions on the relevance and utility of their ducal titles in their new American context. Conversations about title removal are not only about public perception but also about the technicalities involved. Revoking a royal title traditionally requires legislative action by Parliament, making it not just a family decision but a matter involving government processes.
Meghan Markle, originally becoming the Duchess of Sussex upon her marriage in 2018, and her children Archie and Lilibet hold titles that align them closely with the royal family despite physical distance and distinct operational roles.
The consensus among various royal experts and insiders is that King Charles III and Prince William are unlikely to pursue the drastic step of title removal. Long-standing royal protocols and the contemporary challenges facing the royal family contribute to this stance, focusing more on continuity and stability rather than stirring potential controversies.
Ultimately, the discussion around Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's titles speaks to broader themes of identity, perception, and the evolving nature of royal responsibilities. As the couple continues to navigate their roles within and outside the royal family, their titles—whether altered or not—will undoubtedly remain a point of public fascination and debate.
