King Charles and Prince William are “terrified” that stripping Meghan Markle and Prince Harry of their royal titles would “backfire”, according to a royal expert.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, before moving to America months later. The couple now reside in Montecito, California, with their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Since the couple moved across the pond, they have launched various attacks on the Royal Family – including allegations of racism – and have made millions from commercial dealings, including a Netflix series and Harry’s autobiography, Spare.
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Despite breaking away from royal duties, the Sussexes proudly sat in chairs labelled ‘Duke’ and ‘Duchess’ during their recent tour of Nigeria and were said to be “delighted” their royal titles were on display.
Royal expert Tom Quinn – author of Kensington Palace: An Intimate Memoir from Queen Mary to Meghan Markle – says Charles and William “have had lengthy discussions about stripping Meghan and Harry of their royal titles, but they are terrified this would backfire and make the situation worse”.
Mr Quinn told The Mirror: “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.”
When the Sussexes stepped back as senior royals in 2020, they retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles but dropped the His and Her Royal Highness prefixes. Harry also relinquished his military titles.
This year, Harry and Meghan reaffirmed their Royal ties by renaming their website Sussex.com, prominently featuring their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles and a coat of arms.
The site showcases an image of Harry and Meghan with the caption: “The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex”. It also details their biographies, updates on their engagements, and highlights from their recent trip to Nigeria.