Prince William wants to leave Harry and Meghan without royal titles, using Prince Andrew as a model
Prince William is preparing to trigger a major conflict in the British royal family and leave Prince Harry and Meghan Markle without royal privileges for good.
Prince William and Kate with their children. PHOTO: Profimedia
The decision would be inspired by the recent action taken against Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his last official titles and functions, reports RadarOnline.com, citing sources close to the Palace.
According to the sources cited, the heir to the throne, aged 43, would have discussed the strategy with King Charles and senior advisers of the Royal House during the summer vacation at Balmoral Castle.
The subject was brought back into focus after King Charles officially stripped Andrew, his brother, of his last royal honors amid resurgence of allegations related to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
“What happened to Andrew set a useful precedent,” an inside source said. “William is determined to carry on what his father started and completely disconnect Harry and Meghan from the monarchy.”
Although Prince Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to the US, they have retained the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Officially, although they still hold the status of HRH (Her Royal Highness), they have agreed not to use it. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, received royal titles in 2022 with King Charles' accession to the throne.
For William, however, keeping these titles is incompatible with his plan to modernize the monarchy.
“William has made it clear that this is about protecting the future of the monarchy. He really respects the way his father has treated Andrew – it was a difficult but right decision that showed that no one, regardless of status, is above the Crown. He believes the same principle should apply to Harry and Meghan. It's not about revenge, it's about preservation.” said a source close to the Palace.
The only one trying to temper the tensions would be Kate Middleton, the wife of Prince William.
“Kate loves William and strongly believes in his broad vision. But she warned him that if he continued to withdraw Harry's titles, it would be a point of no return. Kate tends to keep the peace whenever possible and knows that this could permanently destroy any chance of mending the relationship between the two brothers.” a family friend said.
Despite the warnings, William is said to be determined to act. For him, sources say, Andrew's example shows that “firm actions increase public respect” and strengthens the authority of the crown.
If the plan goes through, Harry and Meghan could lose the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as any official connection with the British Royal House.
