The provocative question “Should Prince Harry and Meghan Markle be stripped of their royal titles… just like Andrew?” has exploded across Britain, dominating social media, talk shows, and pub conversations as public anger over the Sussexes’ post-royal life reaches a boiling point.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020, have faced escalating scrutiny in recent years. From Harry’s bombshell memoir Spare (2023), which detailed family rifts including physical altercations with Prince William, to their Netflix docuseries and Oprah interview accusing the Palace of racism and neglect, the couple’s actions have divided opinion. Many view them as modernisers challenging outdated institutions; others see them as ungrateful betrayers profiting from royal ties while rejecting responsibilities.
The comparison to Prince Andrew is particularly stinging. The Duke of York, 65, was stripped of his HRH style, military titles, and patronages in 2022 amid his association with Jeffrey Epstein and a settled sexual assault lawsuit. “If Andrew lost everything for his scandals, why do Harry and Meghan keep theirs?” one viral tweet asked, garnering over 500,000 likes. Polls show growing support for similar action: a YouGov survey in December 2025 found 58% of Britons believe the Sussexes should lose their titles, up from 45% in 2023.
Behind palace walls, sources reveal a “secret internal review” is underway, prompted by mounting pressure from MPs and public petitions. “The King is considering all options,” an insider told The Sun. “The review assesses whether retaining titles aligns with the monarchy’s modern image. It’s not punitive — it’s about relevance.”
King Charles, 77, has reportedly discussed the matter with advisors, weighing loyalty to his son against public sentiment. The outcome could redefine the Sussexes’ fate: losing “Duke and Duchess” would strip official status, though they’d retain “Prince and Princess” by birthright. This echoes calls from Conservative MP Bob Seely, who proposed a bill in 2023 to remove titles from non-working royals.
Public fury stems from perceived hypocrisy: Harry and Meghan use titles for commercial ventures like Archewell and Netflix deals, while criticising the institution. “They want the perks without the duty,” one commentator said. Supporters counter: “They’re victims of a toxic family — why punish them further?”
The debate has rattled the Palace. Charles and Camilla are said to be “shocked” by the intensity, while William and Kate reportedly favour action to protect the monarchy’s integrity. “It’s a boiling point,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted. “The Sussexes’ ongoing revelations have eroded goodwill.”
As petitions surpass 1 million signatures and MPs debate in Parliament, the review’s findings — expected by spring 2026 — could forever alter the Sussexes’ status. For a family once united in duty, this public reckoning feels like the ultimate betrayal. The question now: will the Palace act, or let the titles stand as a symbol of enduring division?
