Palace insiders have indicated that Prince Harry could face the removal of his royal title, similar to the recent stripping of Prince Andrew’s titles, as a new parliamentary bill gains momentum. This development highlights ongoing tensions within the royal family and potential legislative changes that could reshape hereditary privileges.
The warning stems from comments by royal sources to Page Six, who expressed that they ‘would not be surprised’ if Harry loses his title, drawing parallels to Andrew’s case. These insights emerged as British politician Rachael Maskell relaunched her ‘Removal of Titles Bill,’ which aims to grant the monarch, and eventually Prince William, formal power to strip hereditary titles. The bill’s revival has sparked concerns about Harry’s future, with one source noting that William, while not vindictive, feels deeply let down by his brother’s actions.
The estrangement between Prince Harry and Prince William has worsened over the past two years, largely due to the fallout from Harry’s 2023 memoir, ‘Spare.’ The book included allegations of physical conflicts and claims of racism within the family, which sources say left William furious and damaged their relationship irreparably. Royal commentators have observed that the brothers have not spoken since the memoir’s publication, underscoring the depth of the rift and its impact on family dynamics.
Prince Andrew’s recent title removal serves as a direct precedent for such actions. Last week, King Charles III formally stripped Andrew of his prince title after careful consultation with lawyers and government officials, a move linked to the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Although Andrew settled a lawsuit with accuser Virginia Giuffre in 2022 and has not been convicted of any crime, the controversy prompted his removal from the Peerage Roll, with William fully supporting the decision to uphold the monarchy’s integrity.
The proposed ‘Removal of Titles Bill’ seeks to legislate a process for title removal, which currently relies on royal warrants issued by the monarch. Maskell first introduced the bill in 2022, but it was rejected; its re-emergence now, amid Andrew’s case, has renewed debate over hereditary titles in modern Britain. If passed, the bill would provide a clear legal framework, potentially making it easier for future monarchs to act against individuals seen as bringing disrepute to the crown.
Insiders suggest that Harry’s situation is particularly vulnerable due to his commercial engagements despite stepping back from royal duties in 2020. While Harry and Meghan Markle agreed not to use their HRH titles for commercial purposes, their high-profile projects have raised questions about their use of royal connections. A palace source emphasized that Harry ‘must be quite scared’ about the bill’s potential passage, noting that William’s support for such measures reflects a broader effort to protect the institution from perceived threats.
The potential loss of Harry’s title could significantly impact the Sussexes’ public brand, which often leverages their royal heritage, and signal a stricter approach by the monarchy toward members who distance themselves but remain in the spotlight. Royal experts warn that this could lead to further isolation for Harry and Meghan, while also setting a precedent for how the crown manages loyalty and conduct in an evolving societal context. As the bill moves through parliamentary processes, its outcome will likely influence not only Harry’s status but also the future of hereditary titles in Britain.