King Charles considered stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s titles

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step back from senior royal duties and move to the United States in 2020, the decision apparently strained their relationships with King Charles and Prince William. And while Harry and Meghan continued their charitable work independently, one trip in particular reportedly infuriated Charles, leading him to consider stripping them of their titles.

In May 2024, Harry and Meghan traveled to Nigeria for a three-day tour as the country expressed interest in hosting the prince’s Invictus Games, which are scheduled to be held in Birmingham in 2027. Fans noted that the trip felt very much like an official royal visit, even though the two men were no longer working as working royals, which upset the king.

After returning home to Montecito, California – before returning to the UK this summer – Charles and William were apparently “furious” about their trip to Nigeria, according to royal expert Tom Quinn, author of Royal Palace Scandals: An Intimate Memoir of Royals Who Behave Badly who spoke to The mirror that same month.

“All the signs were there, as the couple was greeted with dances, receptions, visits to schools and charities,” Quinn told the publication. at the time. “William is absolutely furious and determined to find a way to prevent this from happening in the future. Charles is said to be angrier than anyone has ever seen him.”

Quinn added that Charles and William “have had long discussions about stripping Meghan and Harry of their royal titles, but they are terrified it will backfire and make the situation worse.” The couple can no longer use their style and that of Her Royal Highness, but have remained the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Quinn added that even if Charles stripped them of their titles, Harry and Meghan would be able to continue their work and would likely be warmly welcomed no matter where they went.

“The last thing they want is to give renegade royals something else to complain about,” Quinn added. “William and his father know that even without their royal titles, Meghan and Harry would still travel the world as if they were royals, and most people in the world would still welcome them.”

When Harry and Meghan returned to the UK in August, many wondered if this meant they would be reintegrating into royal life with such closeness to Harry’s family. But in September, a letter written on Charles’ behalf clarified that the two would not return to their roles as senior royals and would live as “private citizens.”

As for Harry and William, a breakup always divides the brothers, and they have reportedly been separated since 2022. GQOn Harry’s “One More Question” podcast, Harry made rare comments about William, saying, “I want this to work.” » After the interviewer doubled down and asked, “Really? Harry replied, “Of course I do. Again, with everything going on in the world, the most important thing is to make up. That’s the key point.”