Stripping Harry and Meghan of Royal Titles Would ‘Look Vindictive,’ Expert Says
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, find themselves in a precarious position regarding their royal titles. There has been ongoing speculation about the possibility of stripping them of their titles, but experts suggest that such a move could have unintended consequences. Royal commentator Ingrid Seward asserts that the titles are likely to remain intact.
Even if their titles were removed, Meghan would simply assume a new title—Princess Henry—which might confuse Americans. The Royal Family appears to be taking a different approach, opting to ignore the couple and let them continue their lives in Montecito, California, alongside their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Royal author Tom Quinn shared his insights with The Mirror, saying, “Charles is desperate to strip Harry and Meghan of their royal titles, but he is worried that it will look vindictive and make a bad situation worse.” He further explained, “He knows it would give Meghan and Harry another chance to claim they are being badly treated.”
Quinn elaborated on the potential impact of such a decision, noting, “The California-based Royals would be hit hard by the loss of their royal titles, but they would relish the publicity it would bring, as they have always felt as if they are the victims in the family row. The loss of the titles would just confirm this.” He added, “There would be a rush to give interviews filled with renewed complaints about how the family has once again kicked them in the teeth.”
A major concern for the palace is that Meghan and Harry would continue to ignore the ruling from London and carry on as if nothing had changed. “The Royal Family could hardly take them to court to stop them using something that suggested their former Royal status,” Quinn remarked.
Quinn acknowledged that King Charles and Prince William have discussed the possibility of stripping Harry and Meghan of their titles. However, they fear that doing so could exacerbate the situation. Quinn explained, “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 traveling the world as if they were royals, and most people would still welcome them.”
In this delicate balancing act, the Royal Family must weigh the potential fallout of title removal against the risk of further alienating the couple. As public sympathy often favors perceived victims, the Sussexes could use the publicity surrounding such a move to their advantage. Ultimately, the decision rests with the monarchy, and the world watches with curiosity as the drama unfolds.