Speculation that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could be stripped of their royal titles has been dismissed by a leading commentator, who claims the future King has a far shrewder plan.
The Speculation Over Sussex Titles
Following the removal of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's titles, royal watchers have increasingly questioned whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might face a similar fate. The couple, who have lived in California for five years with their children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, have retained their styles despite strained relations with The Firm.
While Prince Harry's relationship with his father, King Charles, has shown signs of a thaw, his rift with his older brother, the Prince of Wales, remains profound. The two are reportedly not in contact, and several publicised diary clashes in the last year have seen them compete for media attention, further fuelling speculation about their future standing.
Why William Won't Act, According to Experts
Some commentators, including royal author Tom Bower and expert Tom Sykes, have suggested the Sussexes are on "borrowed time." Sykes told the Daily Beast he believes William will move to issue "letters patent" to remove princely titles from non-working royals when he ascends the throne, a dramatic change with precedent set by Denmark's Queen Margrethe II in 2022.
However, royal commentator Afua Acheampong-Hagan offers a contrasting view. She tells the Mirror that stripping the titles would be low on Prince William's agenda, not because he cannot, but because he strategically chooses not to.
"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?"
A Future King Focused on Bigger Issues
The expert asserts that such an act would "just make him look petty," a perception fundamentally at odds with William's character and long-term vision. Instead, his focus is laser-targeted on ambitious, high-impact projects aimed at societal improvement.
His Homewards initiative seeks to end homelessness in the UK, while the Earthshot Prize champions innovative solutions to the planet's environmental crises. These endeavours, the expert argues, are the true priorities for a modern monarch-in-waiting, not settling personal scores.
"There's so many other things that the Royal Family need to do to modernise," Acheampong-Hagan added. "Taking away people's titles for living their own lives, it will seem silly and petty, so I just don't think that he will."
Ultimately, the analysis suggests Prince William's shrewd plan is one of dignified inaction. By not engaging in a potentially vindictive and publicly divisive move, he protects the monarchy's image and dedicates his energy to the substantive work he believes defines a modern sovereign's role.
