Why Harry & Meghan Still Use Royal Titles: The Truth Revealed

06 May, 2025

Why, in a world of shifting royal tides, do the Duke and Duchess of Sussex cling to their titles even as they forge a new path? The answer lies in a complex interplay of tradition, personal choice, and the enduring power of a family name, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to navigate life beyond the constraints of their former roles.

The decision by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, to step back from their roles as senior royals in early 2020 sparked a global conversation. While the specifics of their departure, infamously dubbed "Megxit," were widely dissected, one aspect has remained a consistent point of interest: the retention of their royal titles. As the royal familys website still refers to the couple as the Duke and Duchess, the question of why they chose to keep these titles lingers, prompting discussions about their significance and the implications of their continued use.

The discourse surrounding Meghan Markle's integration into the royal family began the moment she married Prince Harry in May 2018. The titles and styles she acquired were a major point of discussion, reflecting both the weight of tradition and the changing nature of the monarchy. Her transition from an American actress to a member of the royal family brought with it a new set of expectations and public scrutiny. She became the Duchess of Sussex, a title that would forever link her to the British Royal Family.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Rachel Meghan Markle (Duchess of Sussex)
Born	August 4, 1981 (Los Angeles, California, USA)
Spouse	Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (married May 2018)
Children	Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor
Education	Northwestern University (Bachelor of Arts)
Profession	Former actress, humanitarian, founder of Archewell
Notable Roles (Acting)	Rachel Zane in "Suits"
Philanthropic Activities	Advocate for gender equality, mental health awareness, and education
Official Website	Sussex.com

It's important to note that both Meghan Markle and Prince Harry still use their HRH titles. This isn't just a private matter; numerous sources have confirmed that the couple continues to use their titles in various contexts. Furthermore, reports indicate that they insist on being addressed as "ma'am" and "sir," maintaining the formality associated with their royal status, at least in specific instances.

Although Prince Harry and Meghan technically stepped back from using their HRH titles in January 2020, certain pages on the official Royal Family website continued to refer to them by their titles. The couple's spokesman has stated that the childrens titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch, thereby asserting the inheritance of such titles. This matter has been resolved in alignment with the established guidelines.

Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Harry and Meghan would no longer be using their HRH titles and would not receive public funds for royal duties, signaling a shift in their relationship with the monarchy. Despite these changes, they remained members of the royal family, with the ability to use their Sussex titles, which they still do.

In a related development, Prince Harry is currently challenging the decision to downgrade his UK security protection, taking the matter to the London Court of Appeal. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the UK after stepping back from official royal duties, seeking a life away from the intense scrutiny associated with their former roles.

The controversial Netflix series featuring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex premiered on December 8, and even though they have withdrawn from senior royal duties, they still retain their titles. This highlights the complexity of their situation, where they've chosen to distance themselves from the traditional demands of royalty while maintaining the prestige associated with their titles.

Even if Prince Harry decided to become a U.S. citizen, Meghan might retain her titles since U.S. law does not prohibit Americans from holding titles from other nations. This adds another layer to the conversation about the potential future for the couple and their continued relationship with the monarchy.

Following Queen Elizabeths passing on September 8, 2022, Prince Harry and Meghans children, Archie and Lilibet, automatically acquired the titles of Prince and Princess. The royal website was updated accordingly to reflect these changes. This event underscored the enduring connection of the couples family to the line of succession and the inherent nature of royal titles.

Adding to the complexity, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relaunched their website under the name sussex.com, prominently using their royal titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and featuring their coat of arms. This action reinforced their continued association with the monarchy, even as they pursue independent endeavors. The couple remains members of the royal family, yet their decision to step back from official royal dutiesdubbed "Megxit"continues to generate discussion about their position.

Its worth noting that despite calls for them to renounce their Sussex titles, the former "Suits" actress explained the significance of the name to their family. They are committed to keeping these titles and have shown no intention to abandon them, understanding the weight of their inherited place.

Since departing as working royals, some have demanded that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle renounce their royal titles. However, Prince Harry has clarified the reasons for their reluctance to relinquish them, explaining their personal relevance and the importance they hold. They seem to be maintaining them for private and personal reasons.

Prince Harry's challenge to the decision to downgrade his UK security protection is unfolding at the London Court of Appeal, adding another dimension to their transition away from royal duties. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the UK after stepping back from official royal responsibilities to start a new life.

They have affirmed that they will no longer use their HRH titles, which is an important detail. From this spring onward, they will be known as Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Their new official usage, however, has changed.

References to Prince Harrys HRH title were removed from the Royal Family website three years after he and Meghan Markle stepped back from their working royal roles. Even with changes and updates, the Sussexes have kept their titles.

The significance of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex retaining their titles is multifaceted. For Prince Harry and Meghan, it reflects their enduring connection to the royal family, despite their shift to a life independent of its formal duties. It's a choice that acknowledges their legacy and their place within the lineage while empowering them to craft a new narrative on their terms. For the monarchy, the continued use of the titles allows them to remain part of the royal narrative, albeit from a distance, maintaining some level of influence and keeping their profile high. The decision also speaks to the evolving nature of the monarchy, its ability to accommodate diverse paths, and the lasting power of family ties.

One might consider the influence of the titles on the couple's endeavors. The titles give an extra layer of weight and authenticity to their philanthropic initiatives. Their work in the areas of mental health, gender equality, and community service is given added visibility, as well as an international reach. While the couple has stated that they are looking to be known for their actions instead of their titles, the fact remains that the titles offer a unique platform to support their causes.

The couple's choice to maintain their titles also sends a message about their identity. They are both Duke and Duchess, and have chosen to embrace their heritage, regardless of their new roles and new lives. They are showing that they can forge their own path while remaining deeply connected to their origins.

The debate surrounding the titles also shows a changing perception of the role of royalty. As the royal family adapts to the challenges of the modern world, Prince Harry and Meghans situation illustrates the complex balance between tradition and individuality. Their story mirrors the need for a new balance between the public and the private, the ceremonial and the personal.

While certain voices have requested that they renounce their titles, Prince Harry and Meghan have consistently made it clear that they won't do so. Their reasoning has been rooted in a desire to protect their family, maintain a link to their heritage, and continue to engage with the world on their terms. The titles offer a sense of continuity, providing a link to the past while enabling them to shape their future.

The discussion over their titles also touches on the role of the media and public perception. The couple's use of their titles is often scrutinized, and their choices are subject to intense media and public interest. This constant attention serves as a reminder of the significant public fascination with the royal family and the impact of their actions.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's journey provides a glimpse into the future of the monarchy. Their decision to step back from royal duties and the continued use of their titles have opened up a new discourse. This suggests a transformation, one where royals can maintain a connection to their heritage while also having more personal agency and independence.

The debate over their titles also reflects the changing nature of public interest in royalty. Modern society is growing more interested in the human side of royal figures. There is a greater willingness to consider their personal choices, their motivations, and their journeys. The fact that the Duke and Duchess have chosen to share their story on their terms underscores this shift.

It is clear that there are various viewpoints regarding their actions, from those who believe they should renounce their titles to those who support their decisions. This diverse perspective captures the complex emotions that the couple's choices have generated. What may be viewed as a daring move by some might also be seen as a challenge to traditions by others.

The decision to step back from official duties was not taken lightly, and it represents a significant shift in their relationship with the institution. When Prince Harry and Meghan decided to take a step back from their senior royal roles, they did not lose their duke and duchess titles. Their choice to move to California, cut fewer ribbons, and wear fewer tiaras does not mean that they cease to be members of the family. They are still entitled to be known by the titles of Duke and Duchess.

In essence, the decision to keep their titles is a statement of their complex relationship with the monarchy. It reflects their commitment to their identity and their desire to shape their legacy. The story of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is a continuing one, and as they navigate their path, the presence of their royal titles is a strong reminder of their connection to the past and their determination to embrace the future.

Do Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Still Have Royal Titles? POPSUGAR Celebrity UK

Details

Why Harry and Meghan still have royal titles

Details

The one unusual title Prince Harry and Meghan still have despite quitting Firm Royal News

Details

Detail Author:

Name : Dr. Adela Feest IV
Username : alfreda61
Email : mariana18@cole.org
Birthdate : 1984-09-12
Address : 203 Durgan Mills Arvidside, PA 43226
Phone : 915.236.0925
Company : Hessel Inc
Job : Gaming Manager
Bio : Vero dolores facilis enim qui. Aliquid eos nemo ad quos. Autem ut possimus dolorum et consectetur id est eius.

Socials

instagram:

url : https://instagram.com/carter1987
username : carter1987
bio : Quis et laudantium quis quis qui est. Ipsa dignissimos dolorem nobis iusto aut.
followers : 6362
following : 130