King Charles and Prince William are reportedly engaged in lengthy discussions about potentially stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their royal titles following their recent private royal-style tour to Nigeria. The trip has sparked significant tension within the royal family, with sources close to the situation revealing the depth of the controversy.
Prince Harry and Meghan, who stepped down as senior working royals in 2020, have retained their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Critics argue that the couple is leveraging their royal connection while avoiding the responsibilities and duties that come with it. This sentiment has been echoed by a 2020 survey conducted by Tatler magazine, which found that 68% of Britons believed the couple should be stripped of their titles—a number that has reportedly grown in the years since.
Royal author Tom Quinn has provided insights into the internal deliberations of the royal family. “King Charles and Prince William have engaged in extensive conversations about possibly removing Meghan and Harry’s royal titles,” Quinn revealed to The Mirror. Nevertheless, he conveyed skepticism about whether the monarch and his successor would proceed with such a significant action. “They fear it could backfire and exacerbate the situation,” Quinn said. “The last thing they want is to provide the rebellious royals with more grounds for complaint.”
The recent tour to Nigeria, which included receptions, visits to schools and charities, and other activities typically associated with official royal visits, has been a focal point of the controversy. This display has reportedly infuriated King Charles, with Quinn noting, “Charles is reportedly angrier than he has ever been seen before.”
Despite stepping down from their official roles, Prince Harry and Meghan continue to draw attention and controversy with their actions. Some saw the couple’s recent activities in Nigeria as an attempt to maintain their royal status without fulfilling the corresponding duties. “Meghan and Harry’s speeches and their whole attitude have been designed to give the impression that they are still fully paid-up royals,” Quinn stated, adding that Prince William and King Charles “don’t like that one bit.”
The royal family’s concerns extend beyond mere appearances. There is a growing frustration with the perception that Prince Harry and Meghan benefit from their royal titles without contributing to the institution. According to Quinn, King Charles and Prince William feel that Meghan and Prince Harry are effectively declaring their independence from royal oversight, saying, ‘We don’t need your permission to act as royals—we’ll do it on our terms whenever and wherever we choose.’ This stance has put the royal family in a challenging position as they struggle to handle the situation.
While the idea of stripping the couple of their titles has been discussed, there is significant hesitation within the royal family. The fear is that such a move could have unintended consequences, potentially elevating Harry and Meghan’s status as victims of royal ostracism. “William and his father know that even without their royal titles, Meghan and Harry would travel the world as if they were royals, and most people will still welcome them,” Quinn asserted.
The controversy surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan is not new, but the recent tour to Nigeria has brought it back into the spotlight. The couple’s actions continue to generate debate and division within the royal family and the public. As King Charles and Prince William weigh their options, the future of Prince Harry and Meghan’s royal titles remains uncertain.
