The question of whether Prince William will strip his brother and sister-in-law of their royal titles when he becomes King is dominating discussions among royal watchers. The deep and ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the Royal Family has led many to speculate about the couple's formal standing in a future reign.
The Unhealed Rift and Public Fallout
The relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry has been severely strained for several years, deteriorating notably around the time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties in 2020. After relocating to the United States, Harry and Meghan launched a series of public revelations about the Firm, beginning with their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021. This was followed by a Netflix documentary series and Harry's memoir, Spare, in which he made personal allegations against the Prince and Princess of Wales.
These actions reportedly led William to cut off contact with his brother. Harry himself acknowledged the damage, telling the BBC earlier this year that "some members of my family will never forgive me" for his public comments about their treatment as working royals. Despite no longer carrying out official duties, the couple retain their Sussex titles, a point of contention for many who have called for them to be removed.
A Precedent for Removing Titles
The mechanism for stripping royal titles, while complex, has a recent precedent. The case of Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages and no longer uses the style 'His Royal Highness' in an official capacity, demonstrates it is possible. This fuels speculation that William could take similar action on principle, given the personal nature of the feud.
Although Harry made a brief conciliatory move by meeting his father, King Charles, for a private tea at Clarence House in late 2025 during a UK trip for the WellChild awards, he did not see William. Reports suggest the Prince of Wales has no interest in a reunion, partly due to the claims about his wife, Catherine, in Harry's book.
What Lies Ahead Under King William?
Prince William has hinted at modernising the monarchy, telling Eugene Levy in 2025 that "change is on the horizon". His accession to the throne will present a decisive moment regarding the Sussexes' status. The brothers, once incredibly close and bonded by the loss of their mother, Princess Diana, now seem worlds apart.
With Harry still engaged in legal battles over UK security and the family rift showing no signs of narrowing, the security of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles appears increasingly uncertain. For now, the nation can only watch and wait to see if a future King William III will make the monumental decision to formally sever this last official link.
