Meghan Markle Would Become Princess Henry if Stripped of Duchess Title
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry retained their royal titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex after splitting from the royal family in 2020. However, if King Charles ever decided to strip the couple of these royal designations, Meghan would automatically become Princess Henry.
Meghan Markle’s official royal title isn’t Princess Harry
On her wedding day to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Queen Elizabeth gifted the couple those titles.
However, amid the tension surrounding Harry and Meghan’s relationships with senior royals including King Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Camilla Queen Consort, there has been chatter that these titles would be stripped. Kensington Palace has not commented on any decision regarding the couple’s official titles.
But, if this bold palace should occur, Meghan would remain royalty. However, she would refer to her other title of Princess Henry.
Prince Harry’s official name is Henry Charles Albert David. His nickname is Harry.
Ironically, if Meghan ever had to use the title of Princess Henry, it would place her, in rank, ahead of her duchess designation. A princess title designates royalty, while a duchess title reflects nobility.
Would King Charles ever remove Harry and Meghan’s duke and duchess titles?
The Mirror spoke to Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, who shared her thoughts on whether or not King Charles would ever remove Harry and Meghan’s duke and duchess titles. “I don’t think anything will happen to the titles because, if they lose their titles, Harry is still a prince of the blood, and Meghan, instead of being the Duchess of Sussex, [would] be Princess Henry.”
She continued, “That really would [confuse the Americans]. I think [it’s] probably best just to leave it because it looks unkind, it looks unnecessary.”
“The Queen gave them the titles, let them keep them – they’re going to be ‘H and M’ anyway. I think the best thing is to leave them, ignore them, and let them get on with it; which is really what the palace and the royal family are doing,” Seward concluded.
Did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have any of their royal titles removed?
After stepping back from their duties as senior royals in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were allowed to keep their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles. However, neither can be addressed as his or her royal highness.
Prince Harry subsequently lost his honorary military titles because he no longer represented the monarchy. To carry out those official duties, Harry needs to reside in the United Kingdom. He moved to California in 2020.
Historically, Harry is only the second Duke of Sussex in royal family history reports The Washington Post. The first was Prince Augustus Frederick.
Although Prince Augustus was married twice, neither of his wives received the Duchess of Sussex title. Both marriages were not approved by the reigning monarch, per the 1772 Royal Marriages Act. Therefore, Meghan Markle has the distinction of being the first Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reside in California with their two children.
