Prince William, the future monarch, seems to have already decided on a controversial matter that is still of interest to the public and the media— Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s titles. Although there was no official announcement from the Palace, credible sources say that William has no intention of stripping them of their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles as of the moment.
The gossip is in line with the recent estrangement between the Royal Family and the Sussexes. Ever since the couple retired to private life in 2020, Harry and Meghan have adapted quite well to the U.S., taking on a variety of media and philanthropic pursuits. Their highly publicized criticisms of the monarchy, though, especially the 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview, have increased public attention and criticisms over their ongoing use of the royal titles.
Despite variations at the individual level, William’s stance is one of calculated thought as compared to hot-headedness. As insiders suggest, he is weighing the greater consequences of doing so. Ditching titles can raise controversy and further polarize, not just within the family, but also in the public perception of the monarchy. As one royal source elaborated, “William may not agree with his brother’s course of action, but he also knows the cost of creating more drama.”
The experts aver that this move reflects the vision which William has for how the monarchy will operate in the future—new, stable, and more flexible. Rather than being preoccupied with in-house brother-on-brother battles, he appears more intent on protecting the public face of the institution. Author and royal biographer Robert Lacey, whose book is Battle of Brothers, stated that William isn’t merely thinking like a brother but also like a future king. “He knows what’s at stake,” Lacey said. “He’s attempting to keep things together, however difficult that will be.”
Harry and Meghan also continue to hold the titles Queen Elizabeth II gave them upon their wedding. Although no longer undertaking royal duties, they remain highly publicized individuals. Their critics assert that holding onto royal titles while stepping away from the Crown is a muddled message and will water down the meaning those titles carry.
The Royal Family, staying true to themselves, has so far avoided getting involved in the debate. King Charles having just announced reforms to modernize the monarchy, debate about roles and titles is only going to grow louder in the coming months.
In the end, Prince William’s decision appears to be one of restraint rather than confrontation. Whether that’s a harbinger of things to come in the way of reconciliation or just a wish to stop future polarization in its tracks, it’s sure he’s looking to the long-term health of the monarchy. In the meantime, restraint could be his strongest tool
