The UK Parliament is reportedly moving toward stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their royal titles, a move driven by growing frustration with the couple's ongoing high-profile media presence,
Netflix deals, and repeated controversies. This legislative action, if passed, would remove their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex along with their children's princely titles, severing their formal connections to the monarchy.
This rare and severe step follows years of public and behind-the-scenes tensions between the Sussexes and the royal institution. The move is framed not as punishment but as a constitutional and symbolic reform meant to clarify who retains royal status—and it targets those not living or serving full-time in the UK.
The foundation for this legislation refers to King George V’s 1917 letters patent, which limited royal titles to relatives who undertake official duties, a definition Harry and Meghan no longer meet. Parliamentarians argue that allowing the Sussexes to keep their titles while living abroad and engaging in commercial ventures damages the monarchy's dignity.
Although the monarch alone cannot strip the titles without parliamentary backing, this bill signals an unprecedented government assertion into royal affairs. Palace insiders describe it as a tacit endorsement of Prince William's efforts to modernize and tighten control over the royal brand ahead of his future reign.
If successful, the Sussexes would lose official royal status, affecting their public roles, formal events access, and brand identity. For supporters, this is seen as protecting the monarchy's integrity; for critics, it echoes old power struggles with lasting impacts on royal family unity.