When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry left the British Royal Family, they did not lose their royal titles. But the Queen is free to reverse that decision.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry gave up using their royal titles when they decided to leave England and go to live with Archie in the United States. But in fact, they are still Royal Highnesses (‘HRH’, short for ‘His’ or ‘Her’ ‘Royal Highness’).
However, they no longer have the right to use the word ‘royal’, which is why they have renamed their non-profit association ‘Archewell’ (in reference to their son). But if Queen Elizabeth II has allowed them to keep their royal titles, she may very well revise her position and withdraw them. Especially at the end of the one-year evaluation period.
Nothing in the British constitution prevents the Queen from removing the title of Royal Highness from an active or inactive member of the Royal Family of England.
For Iain MacMarthanne, constitutional expert for The Express, “nothing is set in stone”. “Royal Warrants may be issued at any time to deal with any matter which arises or requires correction or clarification,” he said.
Here are two famous examples that show that the constitution is quite flexible: Wallis Simpson, wife of Edward VIII, and Camilla Parker Bowles, wife of Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall, were never officially princesses.
Why isn’t Archie a prince?
Archie, the son of Meghan and Harry, did not receive a royal title at birth. A choice of his parents. But he will officially become a prince when Prince Charles becomes king.
It will be up to him, however, to decide whether or not to use his title. Other titles that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have not lost include those of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which the Queen gave them when they were married.
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