King Charles III and Prince William have had extensive discussions about the possibility of stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their royal titles, according to royal author and expert Tom Quinn. However, the father-son duo are reportedly "terrified" that such a move could backfire and exacerbate the already strained relationship between the Royal Family and the Sussexes.
Speaking to The Mirror, Quinn revealed, "The last thing they want is to give the renegade royals something else to complain about. William and his father know that even without their Royal titles Meghan and Harry would carry on travelling the world as if they were royals and most people in the world will still welcome them."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020 and relocated to Montecito, California, have been the subject of intense scrutiny following their series of bombshell revelations about their time in the Royal Family. Most recently, the couple proudly displayed their royal titles during their tour of Nigeria, sitting in chairs labeled 'Duke' and 'Duchess,' which they were reportedly "delighted" about.
Despite the ongoing tensions, sources close to King Charles suggest that he is reluctant to strip Harry and Meghan of their titles, fearing that it could "easily misfire" and require an Act of Parliament. There are also concerns that such a move could alienate younger Britons who are more sympathetic to the Sussexes, especially given that Prince Andrew has been allowed to retain his titles despite his own controversies.
However, royal expert Petronella Wyatt warns that removing Harry and Meghan's Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles could actually elevate their brand, as they would then be known as the Prince and Princess of Sussex. Writing in the Telegraph, Wyatt argued, "A prince always trumps a duke, due in part to the scarcity of such handles. Their website might then read princeandprincessharry.com which...would be even worse implying that they are the world's preeminent royalty."
The speculation surrounding the Sussexes' royal titles comes at a time when King Charles is undergoing cancer treatment, and Prince Harry is reportedly considering ways to improve his relationship with the rest of the Royal Family. According to OK magazine, a source said, "Harry is of the opinion that he must repair the damage that has been caused. There have been plenty of emotional conversations and heart-to-hearts over the best way to handle the situation and move forward. Harry wants to put an end to the feud and regrets the way that things have turned out."
While King Charles may be hesitant to take action against Harry and Meghan, the source hinted that Prince William may feel differently when he ascends to the throne, stating, "King William might think otherwise." Relations between the two brothers are even more strained than between Harry and Charles, with Harry's memoir, "Spare," including bombshell allegations about William, such as claims of a physical attack.
As the Royal Family navigates these challenging times, with King Charles' health concerns and the ongoing rift with the Sussexes, the question of Harry and Meghan's royal titles remains a contentious issue. While the Duke and Duchess continue to leverage their royal connections through their branding and public appearances, the potential consequences of stripping them of their titles remain a delicate balancing act for the monarchy.
The coming months and years will likely see further developments in this ongoing saga, as the Royal Family grapples with the challenges of maintaining unity and public support in the face of internal divisions and external pressures. As Prince William prepares for his eventual ascension to the throne, his approach to the Sussex situation may prove to be a defining moment in the future of the monarchy.
