Prince William to strip Meghan Markle of royal title after he becomes king: report - Page Six

Prince William's Ambition: Stripping Meghan and Harry of Their HRH Titles?

In a shocking revelation, Prince William is reportedly planning to strip his brother-in-law, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, of their HRH (His Royal Highness) titles once he inherits the British throne from King Charles III.

The Background

King Charles III has been the monarch since the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. However, with Charles nearing the end of his reign, speculation is rampant about who will succeed him. Prince William, the eldest son of Charles, is the next in line to the throne, following a traditional line of succession.

Meghan and Harry's HRH Titles

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, received their HRH titles when they married in 2018. These titles confer upon them a level of royal authority and privileges, including use of certain honorifics (e.g., "Your Royal Highness") and representation at official events.

Why Would Prince William Strip Them of Their Titles?

While we can't know for certain why Prince William might want to strip Harry and Meghan of their HRH titles, there are several possibilities:

  • Disagreement over royal protocol: The Sussexes have been vocal about their desire to modernize the monarchy and reduce its formalities. This may be at odds with Prince William's more traditional views.
  • Family dynamics: There have been reports of tension between Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry. Stripping Harry and Meghan of their titles could be a way for William to assert his authority within the family.
  • Royal succession laws: The rules governing royal succession are governed by the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which abolished male-preference cognatic primogeniture (a system where the firstborn son inherits the throne regardless of sex). However, this law does not explicitly address what would happen if the monarch chooses not to confer HRH titles on certain relatives.

Charles's Response

While we can't know for certain how King Charles III will respond to Prince William's plans, it's worth noting that Charles has been open about his desire to reduce the formalities of royal life and increase transparency within the monarchy. It's possible that he may support Prince William's decision or even encourage him to do so.

Implications

If Prince William were to strip Harry and Meghan of their HRH titles, it would have significant implications for the Sussexes' roles as working royals. They would no longer receive official funding or support from the Royal Family, and their charitable work might be impacted. The decision could also affect their ability to participate in certain events and ceremonies.

Conclusion

The situation with Prince William, Harry, and Meghan is complex and multifaceted. While we can't know for certain why Prince William might want to strip his brother-in-law and wife of their HRH titles, it's clear that there are significant disagreements within the Royal Family about the role of modernization and tradition.

As King Charles III prepares to step down from the throne, it will be interesting to see how the monarch chooses to govern the monarchy in its final days. Will Prince William succeed him with a more streamlined royal institution? Only time will tell.