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 observers. The deep and ongoing rift between the Sussexes and the Royal Family has led many to wonder about the couple's formal standing in a future reign.
The Unforgiving Feud and Broken Trust
Prince William and Prince Harry have been estranged for several years, with their relationship deteriorating sharply around the time the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The move to the United States was followed by a series of public revelations that shattered the remaining trust. Starting with their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, and continuing through a Netflix documentary and Harry's memoir, Spare, the couple levelled serious allegations against the institution.
Harry himself acknowledged the damage, telling the BBC earlier this year that "some members of my family will never forgive me" for his public account of their treatment. A source highlighted the total breakdown in communication, stating there is "zero trust" and that private conversations with Harry are now deemed impossible.
A Brief Thaw and a Lasting Chill
Despite the years of conflict, Prince Harry attempted a reconciliation during a brief trip to the UK in 2025. He met his father, King Charles, for a private tea at Clarence House. However, the encounter lasted less than an hour, and notably, Harry did not see his brother William during the visit. This absence speaks volumes, with rumours suggesting William has no desire to meet after the personal claims made in Spare, which also implicated the Princess of Wales.
The brothers, once famously close and bonded by the tragic loss of their mother, Princess Diana, now seem worlds apart. Their journey from shared military service and royal duty to this state of permanent discord marks one of the most dramatic falls from grace in modern royal history.
The Precedent and the Future Under King William
This history begs the critical question: what becomes of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles under King William? Stripping a royal of their titles is complex but not without precedent, as recently demonstrated with Prince Andrew. William has already hinted at a modernising vision for the monarchy, telling Eugene Levy in 2025 that "change is on the horizon".
With Harry still engaged in legal battles over UK security and the family rift showing no signs of healing, the gulf appears to be widening. If this remains the case, the Sussexes' royal titles may face an uncertain future. The decision will ultimately rest with William, balancing the deeply personal nature of the feud against the principles and future shape of the institution he is destined to lead.
