Speculation is swirling this week over whether Prince William could remove Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s HRH titles once he ascends the throne.

But does the Prince of Wales actually have the authority to carry out such a move once he becomes monarch?

The Duchess of Sussex sparked fresh criticism recently after her HRH title appeared on a gift hamper she sent to a friend.

Back in 2020, when Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals, Buckingham Palace announced that they would no longer use their HRH titles. However, a spokesperson for Meghan clarified this week that while the couple still hold the titles, they do not use them for “commercial purposes.” The hamper, the source emphasized, was a private gesture and therefore not business-related.

A new report suggests Prince William may intend to formally “strip” Harry and Meghan of their HRH status when he becomes king.

Following the podcast interview in which Meghan gifted a basket — including a note signed with her HRH title — to her friend and businesswoman Jamie Kern Lima, online backlash quickly followed.

Critics questioned why Meghan, no longer a working royal, would use the designation. In response, a source reiterated: “Harry and Meghan retain their HRH titles. However, by agreement, they do not use them for commercial purposes.”

Still, reports have surfaced suggesting that Prince William was displeased by the gesture. One insider told the Daily Beast: “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.”

But can Prince William really take away their titles?

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams offered insight to Royal Insider, outlining the challenges involved.

“In theory he could, but it would cause enormous trouble and controversy,” he said. “It would need an act of Parliament to take away the Sussex dukedom which almost certainly won’t happen.”

“They shouldn’t use the HRH but we know they do. However he will always be a prince and she is a princess. The matter is best left.”

So, what titles do Harry and Meghan currently hold?

The couple remain the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — titles conferred on them by the late Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day in May 2018.

Despite stepping away from official royal duties, they’ve retained their Sussex titles. In addition, they also hold the titles Earl and Countess of Dumbarton, as well as Baron and Baroness Kilkeel.