Prince William plans to remove the "His and Her Royal Highness" titles from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle once he ascends the throne, according to multiple reports citing palace insiders, as tensions between the royal family and the Sussexes appear to be escalating again.
The renewed controversy stems from a personalized gift basket sent by Meghan Markle to author and entrepreneur Jamie Kern Lima, which was signed "With the Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex." The note, which accompanied a basket of products from Meghan's new lifestyle brand "As Ever," has reignited debate over the couple's agreement with the royal family to refrain from using their HRH titles following their departure from official royal duties in March 2020.
Royal observers noted the incident came in apparent violation of the agreement the couple made when stepping down, which was formalized in a statement published by Buckingham Palace. The agreement clearly stated, "The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family."
A source close to Prince William told the Daily Beast the prince would not "stand for this," adding, "Charles has completely lost control. It's apparent that Harry and Meghan have every intention of making his final years a misery. She knows he won't do anything. There is no way King William will stand for this. The titles will simply be removed when he is king. A way will be found."
Though Harry and Meghan technically retain their HRH styles, they have been held in abeyance-similar to the situation of Prince Andrew-and are not intended to be used in any capacity. A source close to the Sussexes told Page Six that the gift was personal and not a commercial use of the title, saying, "This was a personal gift, and their titles remain." A former courtier pushed back on that assertion, calling it "complete rubbish," and said the agreement forbade use of the HRH title "in any capacity."
The incident has further deepened the strain between the brothers. William, reportedly already upset by Harry's recent visit to Ukraine-a trip the prince himself had wanted to undertake-was described by sources as "fuming" behind the scenes. The surprise visit by Harry to meet wounded Ukrainian soldiers in Lviv came as palace officials had advised William against such a trip, citing security concerns.
"The idea that they are using their royal status as a calling card will enrage him," another insider told the Daily Beast, referencing Meghan's use of "HRH" in connection to her brand launch.
Tensions between the brothers have been simmering since 2016 and became public after Harry and Meghan's departure from royal duties. Their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and Harry's 2023 memoir Spare further strained the relationship. In the book, Harry described a physical altercation with William and revealed deep personal rifts within the family.
Jason Knauf, a former communications aide who served both princes, recently addressed the tension in an interview with 60 Minutes Australia, saying it had been "hard and sad" to watch unfold. It was "very difficult to have this stuff play out in the public eye," Knauf said.
While Buckingham Palace has not formally commented, the issue has highlighted a broader concern about the lack of clarity around the Sussexes' post-royal roles. Royal commentator and former government minister Norman Baker told The Blast that "it was a mistake to not simply take it away at the time," adding that the ambiguity is now "haunting the monarchy."
