Prince William is reportedly preparing to take decisive action against Meghan Markle once he becomes king — and it could spell trouble for the Duchess of Sussex, especially concerning her royal title.
According to the Daily Beast, William intends to strip Meghan and Prince Harry of their HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) titles after he inherits the throne from King Charles III. The move would come in response to Meghan’s recent use of the HRH title in connection with her lifestyle brand, including high-end products like artisanal jam.
“Charles might be happy to put up with this, but William won’t,” a royal insider claimed, referencing Meghan’s apparent promotion of her brand, As Ever, using the HRH designation.
“He loathes and despises Harry and Meghan with every bone in his body,” the source added. “He believes they have betrayed everything the family stands for, and the idea that they are using their royal status as a calling card will enrage him.”
Tensions flared following Meghan’s appearance on a podcast, during which she gifted host Jamie Kern Lima a basket that included “homemade strawberry sauce.” The note attached to the gift read, “With the Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.” The note and the basket were later shown on Lima’s podcast.
A friend of William’s claimed that Meghan’s continued use of the HRH title is taking advantage of King Charles’ reluctance to act.
“Charles has completely lost control,” the insider said, alleging that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are “intent on making his final years a misery.”
“Meghan using her HRH exposes how weak and enfeebled he is,” they continued. “She knows he won’t do anything. There is no way King William will stand for this. The titles will simply be removed when he is king. A way will be found.”
In response, a spokesperson for Meghan denied any breach of the agreement, insisting the gift was personal.
“Harry and Meghan retain their HRH titles; however, by agreement, they do not use them for commercial purposes,” the source explained. “While they do not publicly use ‘HRH,’ this was a personal gift, and their titles remain.”
However, a former royal courtier dismissed that explanation as “rubbish,” stating the terms of the couple’s royal departure made it clear the titles were not to be used “at all, ever, in any capacity.”
This interpretation aligns with the official statement issued when the Sussexes stepped back from royal duties.
“With The Queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations,” the statement read. “While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.” It concluded, “The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”
Kensington Palace and representatives for Harry and Meghan did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and relocated to Southern California, where they now live in Montecito with their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.
Since then, Meghan, 43, has launched the Netflix series With Love, Meghan and, more recently, debuted her lifestyle brand As Ever on April 2. Products like raspberry spread, lemon ginger tea, edible flower sprinkles, and shortbread cookie mix have already sold out.
Despite ongoing scrutiny, her Netflix series has been renewed for a second season.