Amid intense public speculation, a royal expert has provided an exclusive insight into Prince William's likely approach to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's royal titles when he ascends the throne.
The Speculation Over a 'Slimmed-Down' Monarchy
The debate around Prince Harry and Meghan's future as titled royals has intensified since October, when King Charles removed Prince Andrew's military affiliations and royal patronages. This action, taken amid ongoing controversy over Andrew's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, led some commentators to suggest the Sussexes were equally vulnerable.
Royal authors, including Tom Bower, have previously stated the couple are on "borrowed time," while expert Tom Sykes told the Daily Beast he believes William will swiftly issue "letters patent" to remove princely titles from non-working royals. Such a move would mirror the action of Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, who in 2022 stripped four of her grandchildren of their prince and princess titles to "future-proof" her monarchy, a decision that caused significant family upset.
Why William is Unlikely to Act
However, according to royal commentator Afua Acheampong-Hagan, stripping the Sussexes of their titles is far from a priority for the future King. She argues that Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has a far more strategic and less personal outlook.
"I don't think he's got time to do that, and, also, he doesn't want that to be the focus of his reign when it comes," Acheampong-Hagan explained. "'Oh the first thing I'm going to do is take away my brother's titles,' for what? What would be the point?"
The expert emphasised that such an act would be viewed as petty, a trait she insists does not align with William's character or his long-term vision for the monarchy. "I genuinely don’t think he is that petty, and I think he knows if he did that, that's how he would come across," she added.
The Future King's True Focus
Instead of settling personal scores, William's agenda is reportedly laser-focused on ambitious, high-impact projects aimed at tackling major societal issues. His key initiatives include the Earthshot Prize, which rewards innovative solutions to the climate crisis, and Homewards, his ambitious five-year programme to end homelessness in the UK.
These endeavours, alongside his commitment to continuing his father's vision for a more streamlined and cost-effective institution, are considered his true priorities. Acheampong-Hagan concluded that focusing on removing titles from family members "living their own lives" would seem "silly and petty" and is not in line with the modernisation the Royal Family genuinely needs.
While relations between the brothers, aged 41 and 42 respectively, remain strained, with notable diary clashes placing them in competition for headlines, the expert's analysis suggests William's reign will be defined by his public service, not by familial retribution.
