There have been renewed calls for removing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal titles after the release of their bombshell Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, and the Duke of Sussex's controversial memoir, Spare. But if this happens, can the Duchess of Sussex use the title princess?
Prince Harry and Meghan stepped down from their senior royal roles in 2020. Since then, they have been banned from using their Sussex titles commercially and their HRH titles. As they're technically still the Sussexes, the former actress is also a princess.
Meghan Markle Has the Right to Adapt a Princess Title
Majesty Magazine editor-in-chief Ingrid Seward told Royal Beat podcast via Cosmopolitan, that the former Suits star could use her princess title, which is pretty much higher than being a duchess.
The royal biographer explained that according to the royal protocol, Meghan could take the princess title followed by her husband's name, Henry, and not Harry. Hence, she could be called Princess Henry.
"I don't think anything will happen to the titles because, if they lose their titles, Harry is still a prince of the blood, and Meghan, instead of being the Duchess of Sussex, [would] be Princess Henry," Seward said.
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Prince Harry has never used his real name Henry in his titles and is continuously called by his childhood nickname, Harry. But if Meghan's title changes, she can adapt his name,
It's similar to Kate Middleton's case. The Duchess of Cornwall can also be called Princess William after marrying her husband in 2011. However, she's now famous for being Princess of Wales after her husband became King of Wales when King Charles ascended the throne following Queen Elizabeth's passing in September 2022.
Is a Change of Title Necessary?
Seward believed a title change was no longer necessary despite the calls and Prince Harry and Meghan's infamous Megxit.
"The Queen gave them the titles; let them keep them—they're going to be 'H' and 'M' anyway," she stated.
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She added that the best thing to do was to "let them get on with it," which was what the palace and royal family were doing.
What Meghan Markle Allegedly Feels About Royal Titles?
In an explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Meghan said she didn't really care about royal titles.
However, a source told The Daily Express that she "had a dramatic change of heart" about it.
"Harry and Meghan are very, very keen to cling onto those royal titles," the insider stated.
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Allegedly, Meghan realized having royal titles was a good thing for her and her kids, Archie and Lilibeth.
As she has become friendly to other senior royals, like Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, she seemingly learns that having a title can be useful, especially if she wants to "move in the correct circles."
"That is the reason why they want to clutch hold of titles," the tipster continued.
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