Meghan Markle And Prince Harry To Be Stripped Off 'HRH' Royal Titles? Here Is What It Means

Royal titles are crucial in the British monarchy, as they establish social standing, representation, national duties, and the traditional upholding of the culture. However, what happens when one steps back from their royal duties? The crown witnessed the stepping down of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from their positions as senior royals in January 2020. While the duo agreed not to use their 'HRH' honorifics, Meghan's latest actions have sparked a much bigger conversation.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle exchanged their vows in 2018. However, their royal life was short-lived, as they felt enraged by the media intrusions. They were further frustrated by Buckingham Palace for preventing them from developing their 'Sussex Royal' brand. The couple took the matter into their own hands and decided to step down from their positions in the hierarchy. While the duo now resides in the United States, Meghan's use of her 'HRH' title in promoting her brand, 'As Ever,' has brought them at odds with the royals once again. But, why are honorifics so important, and why is Meghan in talks about using them? Let's find out.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to be stripped of their 'HRH' titles?

It was Prince William who has hinted at stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their honorifics. The Prince is in line to ascend the throne and become the next King of England. Amid that, he addressed how Meghan had breached the agreement between the couple and the late Queen Elizabeth II by using her title. Thus, sparking a controversy around the same issue. Daily Beast had reported that the Prince might strip their 'HRH' (His/Her Royal Highness) titles once he becomes the King. The report quoted Prince William as saying:

"Meghan and Harry promised the late Queen Elizabeth they would stop using the HRH titles when they left the royal family in 2020, but Meghan has reneged on that promise."

Meghan Markle used her 'HRH' title

The debate over Meghan Markle's use of her 'HRH' title made headlines after the 43-year-old made an appearance on the latest episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show. The Duchess of Sussex was featured in the show's episode, which aired on April 28, 2025. While Meghan was promoting her brand, As Ever, Jamie Kern Lima shared a picture of a basket that was gifted to her by the Duchess of Sussex. The host revealed that she received the gift at her residence, which featured two pints of organic ice-creams and a personalised note from Meghan.

It was the note that read, "With compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex", that has now caused the controversy. Despite the host's explicit mention that the gift was sent over a year ago, it is still being discussed. While Prince William has established his stance, several people believe that the gift was a personal delivery, and since the agreement was that the couple would not use their 'HRH' titles in any promotions, the image should not be scrutinised. 

Meghan Markle believes she has the right to use the title

A source close to the Duchess of Sussex revealed that Meghan believes she is entitled to use the title, as it was a personal gift. The source added that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had agreed not to use their titles for publicity purposes. However, this was a personal gesture and hence should not be considered a breach. The source was quoted as saying:

"Harry and Meghan retain their HRH titles; however, by agreement, they do not use them for commercial purposes. While they do not publicly use 'HRH', this was a personal gift, and their titles remain. This source said that the so-called Sandringham Summit, which settled the terms of Meghan and Harry's exit from the ranks of working royalty, 'made it clear they had agreed not to use the HRH titles at all, ever, in any capacity.'"

The 2020 statement from Buckingham Palace about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

In 2020, Buckingham Palace released an official statement outlining the developments in the roles of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The release revealed that the duo was embarking on a new journey and had complete support from the palace. The statement shared that Harry and Meghan have agreed to the new arrangement, which requires them to step away from their royal duties, including official military appointments. The note further shared that, with the blessings of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the couple will continue to support and maintain their patronage and associations with the Sussexes.

However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will no longer represent the crown. The release also clarified that the couple would no longer use their 'HRH' titles, as they were no longer working members of the Royal Family. Nonetheless, while representing Sussex, they will adhere to the integrity and values of Her Majesty. The note was quoted as saying:

"They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties. With The Queen's blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations. While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty. The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family."

While what will happen to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'HRH' royal titles is unclear, it's obvious that there are some major decisions in the near future. What are your thoughts on Meghan's use of the honorific? Let us know.

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