Royal titles are tied to the legal and historical peerage system in the UK. When Queen Elizabeth made Harry and Meghan the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018, it was more than symbolic. That title became their official status, and it is NOT easy to undo.
Despite stepping away from their royal roles in 2020, the couple kept their royal titles. They agreed not to use “His” or “Her Royal Highness” (HRH), but their dukedom remained. And under current UK law, the monarch can’t take it away solo.
The Monarch Can’t Just Remove Their Titles
This surprises people: King Charles doesn’t have the power to take away royal titles on his own. Stripping a dukedom requires an act of Parliament. It is a legal issue, not just a family one. The monarchy doesn’t work like a company where the CEO can just fire someone.
Duke of Sussex / IG / Even if Prince William becomes king and wants to remove the Sussex title, he would still need Parliament’s help. That is the current rule.
So, it is not based on opinion, popularity, or drama. It is based on the law.
The “Removal of Titles” Bill
There has been some buzz around the “Removal of Titles Bill.” This proposed law would allow the monarch or a government body to strip royal titles without going through full parliamentary action. It hasn’t passed. It is still just an idea on the table.
Until something like that becomes law, the monarch stays limited. Titles like the Duke of Sussex are protected by law, and without reform, they stay that way.
Family Name or Royal Privilege?
In a recent interview, Meghan said that “Sussex” feels like a shared family name. It is the name she and Harry use with their kids, Archie and Lilibet. She says it matters more now that they are parents.
To them, “Duke and Duchess of Sussex” might not be about the crown anymore. It might be about unity, identity, and keeping something tied to Harry’s roots.
Meghan / IG / When Meghan recently used “HRH” on a personal gift tag, critics jumped on it. Supporters said it was no big deal.
What About the 'HRH' Style?
Harry and Meghan no longer use the HRH styling in public. That was part of their agreement with the royal family. But technically, they still have the right to use it. It wasn’t legally removed.
Either way, it sparked a new round of debate on how much they are still connected to their royal past.
On top of that, Harry is a prince by birth. That is not something the monarch can easily take away. It was granted under what is called “letters patent,” and it is tied to his bloodline.
He was born a prince. Moving to California didn’t change that. And unless he gave it up himself or a major legal reform came through, he will remain Prince Harry for life.
Why Titles Haven’t Been Taken Yet
Even with all the drama (interviews, documentaries, book deals), their titles remain. Why? Because removing royal titles is rare. The last time it happened in a serious way was when King Edward VIII gave up the throne in 1936.
That wasn’t just about public image. It was a major legal and royal shift. No one has moved that far in Harry and Meghan’s case. Not even close.