Prince William is expected to remove the “His/Her Royal Highness” (HRH) titles from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle once he becomes king, according to a report by the Daily Beast. The decision reportedly stems from William’s deep dissatisfaction with the couple’s continued use of royal styling despite their official exit from royal duties in 2020.
A royal insider quoted by the outlet claimed, “Charles might be happy to put up with this, but William won’t,” referencing Markle’s alleged use of the HRH title in conjunction with her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The same source described William’s feelings toward the Sussexes as intense, stating, “He loathes and despises Harry and Meghan with every bone in his body.”
The latest controversy surfaced after Markle reportedly signed a note accompanying a gift basket for podcast host Jamie Kern Lima as “HRH The Duchess of Sussex.” The gift contained a sample of Markle’s homemade strawberry sauce and was featured on Lima’s show.
Critics argue that the use of the HRH title violates an agreement made with the late Queen Elizabeth II, under which the couple retained their HRH titles in name but agreed not to use them in any capacity. A former royal courtier told the Daily Beast that Markle’s defense — that the title was used in a personal context, not commercially — is “rubbish.”
A spokesperson for Markle insisted she has not broken any rules, saying the gesture was a personal gift, not a commercial act. The couple’s official royal exit agreement states they would no longer use the HRH titles, even though they would technically retain them.
Kensington Palace and representatives for the Sussexes have not responded to requests for comment.
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