The issue of what will happen to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s titles once Prince William is King has been a topic of discussion since before Prince Andrew was stripped of his titles. The two situations are, of course, not comparable. Andrew merely faced a sliver of consequences for his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. If Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lose their titles, it will be because Harry and William aren’t getting along anymore.
RadarOnline.com is reporting that the possibility has Markle “panicked and defiant” and that she’s “preparing to go legal” over the possibility. “Meghan’s really anxious that William could one day use his position to strip her of the title. She’s been telling friends, ‘No one’s taking my ‘Duchess’ away.’ To her, it’s so much more than a title – it’s tied to who she is, what she’s built and how the world sees her. Losing it would feel like being written out of the story entirely,” a source said.
Related: Here’s what each royal inherited from Queen Elizabeth
Another insider explained, “Titles still matter enormously. So much of Meghan and Harry’s influence – in the media, in business, in their charity work – comes from being the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Without that, the dynamic shifts completely. Meghan understands the stakes, and she’s ready to fight it in court if it comes to that.”
The report is a little contradictory, considering Markle was already pretty successful in Hollywood before meeting Prince Harry. However, recent reports from NewsNationNow indicate that the Andrew situation has given William a way forward with Harry. “Getting rid of Andrew has been a very useful exercise in showing what’s possible regarding titles,” royal historian Andrew Lownie said. “And it’s a warning shot across Harry’s bow.”
“William will further slim down the monarchy,” Lownie added, explaining that that titles will be stripped from nonworking royals, including Harry and Meghan.
Recent reports, however, had indicated that there is a possibility of a reconciliation between Harry and William that would presumably turn all of this into a moot point.
RadarOnline.com recently reported that William has agreed to meet with his brother after the meeting between King Charles and Harry. “William’s willing to meet Harry, but only if everything happens strictly on his terms. That means no Meghan, no aides, and zero chance of it ending up as content for a documentary or book. He’s deeply wary of being secretly recorded or having his words twisted – the trust between them is completely gone. Harry will basically face being frisked before they talk,” a royal insider said.
Doesn’t sound all that positive, but it is a step forward. And there have also been reports by RadarOnline.com that Markle was planning a “clear-the-air” meeting with Kate Middleton. Royal reporter Richard Eden told the outlet that Markle’s recent Paris Fashion Week appearance was part of the plan for reconciliation. “It’s known as ‘Project Thaw’ because the aim is to ‘warm up’ the duke and duchess’ frosty relationships with the rest of the royal family and with the British people,” he said.
And the two might even be heading to the UK as soon as this Christmas. “By all accounts, the trip is happening; it’s just a matter of finalizing the timing, but it will most likely be before Christmas. Obviously, Meghan’s anxious about it. She knows all eyes will be on her the minute she lands,” an insider shared.
So, all things considered, there’s still a chance this whole thing can be solved amicably.
About the Author
