Prince Harry and Meghan Retain HRH Titles for Children’s Future
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are holding onto their “His Royal Highness” (HRH) titles, primarily for their children, Archie and Lilibet. Despite stepping back as working royals in 2020, the couple sees the titles as part of their children’s heritage.
A source close to them says Harry wants Archie and Lilibet to have the option to embrace royal roles or pursue independent paths later in life.

This decision reflects their focus on preserving royal privileges for their kids.
The couple’s move to the U.S. after leaving royal duties did not strip them of their HRH titles, though they agreed not to use them for public or commercial purposes. However, the titles remain significant for their children’s potential future within the royal family.
Harry and Meghan aim to keep doors open for Archie and Lilibet, ensuring they can choose their paths without losing their royal identity. This approach highlights their long-term planning for their family’s legacy.
Tensions with Prince William Persist
Reports suggest Prince William may harbor resentment toward Harry and Meghan, potentially impacting their children’s royal status.
A source cited by Yahoo indicates William’s ongoing rift with Harry could influence decisions about Archie and Lilibet’s titles. The brothers’ strained relationship, fueled by Harry’s public criticisms of the royal family, continues to complicate matters. This tension underscores the challenges Harry and Meghan face in securing their children’s royal privileges
William, as the Prince of Wales and future king, holds significant influence over royal matters. His reported grudge could affect whether Archie and Lilibet are fully embraced as working royals if they choose that path. The ongoing family discord adds uncertainty to Harry and Meghan’s efforts to maintain their children’s titles. This dynamic reflects deeper divisions within the royal family.
In 2023, the royal family’s website removed references to Harry’s HRH title, updating his profile to reflect his status as the Duke of Sussex. The change, reported by People and Hindustan Times, came three years after Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties.
The website now lists them lower in the royal hierarchy, below active members like the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. This shift raised questions about their standing within the family.
Despite the website updates, Harry and Meghan retain their HRH titles formally, though they are not used in public roles. The removal of HRH references online was seen as a symbolic demotion, aligning with their non-working royal status. However, their children’s titles as Prince and Princess of Sussex remain intact, per a 1917 decree by King George V. These changes highlight the complex balance between tradition and modern royal dynamics
Harry Seeks Backup Surname for Family
Harry recently consulted his maternal uncle, Earl Spencer, about a backup surname should the royal surname face challenges. This move, reported by Firstpost, suggests Harry’s proactive approach to securing his family’s identity outside the royal framework. The couple’s focus on a potential non-royal surname reflects their awareness of their precarious position within the monarchy. It also shows their intent to provide stability for Archie and Lilibet
Choosing a surname like Spencer could offer their children flexibility if royal titles become contentious. This step indicates Harry and Meghan’s preparedness for scenarios where their royal status might be further questioned. It underscores their efforts to balance royal heritage with practical alternatives for their family’s future.
Public discourse mirrors the broader controversy surrounding their place in the monarchy. Harry and Meghan’s insistence on retaining HRH titles stems from a desire to preserve their children’s royal heritage while embracing independence.
Their decision to step back from royal duties was about personal freedom, yet they remain tied to the monarchy through their titles. By keeping HRH for Archie and Lilibet, they ensure their children can access royal privileges if desired. This balance reflects their complex relationship with the royal family.