Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ‘titles here to stay’, then: ‘What if Meghan Markle became princess?’

Recent discussions have centered around whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will retain their titles after stepping back from their royal duties. According to Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, their titles are likely to remain intact. Here’s why:

Harry’s Princely Status: Even if the Dukedom bestowed upon Harry by the late Queen Elizabeth were rescinded, he would still hold the title of prince. Therefore, he would be referred to as Prince Harry.

Meghan’s Unusual Title: If the titles ‘Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ were officially revoked (which would require an act of parliament), Meghan would still retain a royal title. However, it would be an unusual one: Princess Henry. Yes, you read that correctly! The feminine form of her husband’s title would be in line with tradition. Notably, Princess Michael of Kent also adopts the feminine form of her husband’s title.

Avoiding Confusion: Seward suggests that it’s best to leave their titles unchanged. Stripping them of their titles could confuse the Americans, as Meghan is more widely known as the Duchess of Sussex. The Queen granted them these titles, so perhaps it’s wise to let them keep them. After all, they’ll still be affectionately known as ‘H and M’ regardless of their official titles.

What If Meghan Markle Became Princess?

Now, let’s explore the intriguing scenario where Meghan Markle becomes a princess. Here are the key points:

Strict Royal Protocol: To become a bonafide “princess,” royal protocol dictates that one must either be born the daughter of the sovereign or a prince—or become a prince’s wife and take his title upon marriage. Marrying Prince Harry won’t technically make Meghan a true princess.

The Unusual Title: If Meghan were to receive the title of Duke of Sussex, she would be known as Princess Henry. This would be an uncommon situation, but it aligns with the tradition of adopting the feminine form of the husband’s title. Princess Michael of Kent follows a similar pattern.

In summary, whether they retain their existing titles or venture into the realm of unconventional royal nomenclature, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to captivate our imaginations and intrigue us with their unique journey beyond the palace walls.