Why Prince Harry Is Still A Prince, And Meghan Markle A Duchess
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decided to leave the royal life for freedom outside the British Monarchy. They relocated to the United States following their exit and have since tried to establish new roles.
Upon announcing their plans in early 2020, lengthy discussions and negotiations took place among the senior members of the Royal Firm. These, then, led to the stripping off of the couple's titles and royal patronages as they were no longer working royals.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex retained, however, some of their peerages and honors. These include the "HRH" titles, though they are not allowed to use them in public.
Amid all these, many continue to wonder whether the pair are still a Prince and Princess of the United Kingdom. Express UK released a report to explain all the details regarding the matter.
As stated, Prince Harry is still a Prince because it is his birthright. Under the 1917 convention, which King George V set, he has the right to hold the said title as he is the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II through his father, Prince Charles, the Heir Apparent and the eldest son of the British Monarch.
As for Meghan Markle, she became a Princess of the United Kingdom after her marriage to the youngest Wales Prince. However, she, like Kate Middleton, does not have the entitlement to be styled "Princess Meghan" because she is not a royal-born Princess.
In the end, though, they remain as Prince and Princess Henry of Wales, despite leaving their positions in the British Monarchy.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are, also, still the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the peerage to her grandson upon marriage. Considering that the former actress tied the knot with the Duke, she consequently inherited the same honor, making her a Duchess, as well.
As a gift from the reigning British Monarch, the couple reportedly retained the honor even after their exit. This, also, gave the former Hollywood celebrity the right to use it.
Accordingly, her full name has become (Her Royal Highness) Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, Countess of Dumbarton and Baroness Kilkeel after marrying Prince Harry.
The talks about the Sussex Royals' titles and peerages come as reports of the Queen stripping Prince Andrew off of his military affiliations and royal patronages made headlines. Buckingham Palace recently released an official announcement, stating that the roles had been returned to the Queen.
The publishing of the decision emerged a day after the Duke of York failed to dismiss the civil suit filed against him. A U.S. judge ruled against the royal, thus, allowing the case to move forward.