Can Prince William Remove Harry and Meghan’s Royal Titles If He Becomes King?

Could Prince William Remove Harry and Meghan’s Royal Titles as King? Here’s the Law Explained

As debate reignites over Meghan Markle's use of the HRH title, royal watchers question whether Prince William could legally strip Harry and Meghan of their Sussex titles when he becomes king.

Meghan Markle’s Use of “HRH” Sparks New Controversy

A recent image of a gift basket sent by Meghan Markle to a close friend has reopened an ongoing royal debate. The note attached to the package was signed, “With compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex,” beneath her royal cipher — a gesture that drew swift backlash from critics.

Although the note was reportedly part of a private, non-commercial gift, it reignited public scrutiny over whether Meghan and Prince Harry are still entitled to use their royal styles and titles after stepping back from royal duties.HRH Title vs. Dukedom: What They Still Hold — and Why

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were granted the titles Duke and Duchess of Sussex by the late Queen Elizabeth II upon their marriage in 2018. However, after officially stepping down as senior working royals in 2020, they agreed not to use the HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) designation for professional or business activities.

Despite this agreement, the titles themselves were not removed — and that’s where the current debate lies.

Can Prince William Strip the Sussex Titles as Future Monarch?

Recent reports suggest that Prince William may consider stripping Harry and Meghan of their titles when he ascends the throne. While that sounds definitive, experts clarify that the legal process isn’t so simple.

At present, a monarch does not automatically have the legal authority to revoke a royal dukedom, such as the Sussex title. According to British constitutional tradition, it would require formal legislation passed by Parliament.

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The Monarch’s Power Over “HRH” Status Is More Flexible

Though the dukedom is protected by law, the HRH style is more vulnerable to royal discretion. According to The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, an association for legal professionals in England and Wales, the monarch can withdraw the HRH honorific without parliamentary approval.

Legal expert and professor of public law, Master Graham Zellick, explains:

“The Sussexes, like Prince Andrew, have agreed not to use the HRH while not performing royal duties. But it could also be formally removed by the King — a decision that wouldn’t be open to judicial review.”

Could Parliament Step In? The Role of the Removal of Titles Bill

Legislation currently under discussion, known as the Removal of Titles Bill, could offer future monarchs or Parliament itself the legal mechanism to strip royal titles more easily.

If passed, this law would enable either the monarch or a parliamentary committee to revoke titles, including those held by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

This bill could have significant implications not only for the Sussexes, but also for other non-working royals such as Prince Andrew, who has also faced public scrutiny for retaining his titles despite stepping away from royal responsibilities.

While speculation swirls about Prince William's future decisions as king, any removal of Harry and Meghan’s Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles would currently require a formal act of Parliament. In contrast, their HRH styles are at greater risk of being revoked at the discretion of King Charles or a future monarch.

For now, the Sussexes retain their titles — but the conversation around royal roles, public perception, and institutional reform remains very much alive.

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