Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Royal titles ‘up for discussion and at risk at Balmoral summit’
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal titles could be at risk as they are said to be “up for discussion” as The Firm gathers at Balmoral next week, it is being reported.
The future roles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex within the Royal Family are set to be a hot topic as the royals gather for their traditional summer retreat, Express.co.uk reports – citing a “well-placed” source. It is claimed the so-called “royal family summit” will address where the estranged pair fits in with the monarchy over the next decade.
“The Royal Family are meeting at Balmoral to discuss a number of different things, but one of them will be the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” the source disclosed. “What people don’t realise is that the Balmoral gathering isn’t just a summer holiday. The family also participates in pre-arranged meetings where they discuss the family’s current position and how they can best prepare for the future.”
The insider explained that last year’s focus was on paying tribute to the Queen, as it marked the King’s first time hosting since her passing, but this year’s discussions will centre on moving forward without the Sussexes’ full participation.
They said: “Last year was very much about honouring the Queen as it was the King’s first time hosting the gathering since her death, but this will be about how the family can best move forward without the Sussexes. Not only will Harry and Meghan’s tours and upcoming trip to Canada be on the agenda, but also their titles and peerages will be up for discussion.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could lose the Prince and Princess part of their titles ( Image: (Image: Getty))
Prince Charles on the grounds of Balmoral Castle on his 30th birthday, in 1978 ( Image: Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
It’s noted that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are poised to embark on a semi-official tour to Colombia from August 15, received their titles from the late Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day, May 19, 2018. Prince Harry holds the official titles of The Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel, and was honoured with the title of Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) by Queen Elizabeth II in June 2015.
Meghan Markle is formally known as The Duchess of Sussex, Countess of Dumbarton, and Baroness Kilkeel.
Charles with William and Harry at Glen Muick on the Balmoral Castle Estate ( Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
Following a request for the couple to cease using their HRH style, it seems this may have sparked their rebellion against the Royal Family. A source has indicated that while King Charles can easily revoke ‘gifted’ titles like Prince, removing peerages could be more complex.
“There could be a challenge made if any peerages are removed, so this is something that needs to be navigated extremely carefully,” the insider commented. “The title of Prince and HRH are both gifts from the sovereign and can be stripped quite easily, but Harry’s Dukedom, Earldom and Barony will have to be removed by an Act of Parliament which could throw up a lot of unnecessary problems and unwanted media attention.”
The source also mentioned that if Harry were to lose his Prince title, Archie and Lilibet might lose theirs too, although they could still use the Dumbarton titles, with their parents being referred to simply as the Sussexes.
“It’s a difficult one to navigate because the King is very conscious about his grandchildren,” the source added.
Prince Archie could lose his title, too ( Image: Netflix)
“There have been ongoing discussions surrounding this matter, but no decisions have yet been made. This is something that will hopefully be concluded during talks between the King and other senior royals this summer.”
