Royal Author Predicts Title Stripping for Sussexes Under Future King William
A prominent royal author has asserted that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex face a genuine risk of losing their royal titles when Prince William eventually becomes king. This warning comes amidst the ongoing public disputes between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the wider Royal Family.
Background of the Sussexes' Royal Departure
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle formally stepped back from their senior royal duties in 2020, relocating to the United States. At that time, it was confirmed they would no longer use their HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) styles but would retain their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles. Prince Harry also kept his princely title. However, calls for them to relinquish or be stripped of these honors have persisted since their departure.
Tom Bower's Stark Warning in New Book
In his recently published book, Betrayal: Power, Deceit and the Fight for the Future of the Royal Family, author Tom Bower posits that Prince Harry was deeply affected by Prince William's reaction to the scandal involving their uncle, Prince Andrew. This, Bower claims, has heightened Harry's anxieties about his own royal future.
Bower writes, "Rightly, Harry fears that the future King William could remove all the Sussexes’ titles and effectively banish him from Britain." He further suggests that if such action were taken, it would likely extend to Harry and Meghan's children, Archie and Lilibet, stripping them of their titles as well.
The author told the Mirror, "They are on borrowed time and vulnerable now, because I don’t think there is anything they can do to reverse the hurt they have caused Kate and William, and William is still furious."
Catalysts for Potential Action
The strained relationship has been exacerbated by several high-profile public critiques from the Sussexes:
- Their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
- The 2022 Netflix documentary series.
- Prince Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare.
These platforms were used to level various accusations against senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, King Charles, and Queen Camilla. Bower argues that while stripping the titles would be a complex decision, it is one that King Charles is unlikely to make independently, potentially acting only under pressure from his heir, Prince William.
Diverging Expert Opinions on the Likelihood
Not all commentators agree with this dire prediction. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond has expressed a contrasting view, stating it is "quite unlikely" that William would take such a step, despite the profound estrangement.
Jennie Bond told the Mirror, "William may remain estranged from his brother forever... But, if he does, I think he will continue to regard Harry simply as irrelevant to his life and to this country. And I don’t think he would trouble himself with taking away either of their titles."
She added that while the Sussexes seem committed to their children using royal titles, a public stripping would be a significant insult, but one she does not foresee happening.
The debate underscores the deep and unresolved tensions within the monarchy, with the future of the Sussexes' royal status remaining a contentious and uncertain issue as the line of succession progresses.
