Future Changes for Royal Titles in the Kingdom
In light of Prince Andrew recently giving up his royal titles due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, a royal expert has suggested that similar actions may soon affect five other members of the royal family.
While Prince Andrew stated he would not use his royal title anymore, he remains a duke and a prince. To remove these titles completely, a parliamentary act would be required.
However, it’s reported by ITV that Buckingham Palace is hesitant to use parliamentary time for the formal removal of Andrew’s titles, as the process involves both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Royal commentator Tom Sykes suggests that Prince William, with no such hesitation, is poised to officially remove Andrew’s titles early in his reign as king. Furthermore, five other members of the family could be subject to similar action.
According to Sykes, friends and allies of Prince William have said that upon his ascension to the throne, he will remove not only Andrew’s titles but also strip all non-working royals of their HRHs and princely titles through an executive royal order known as ‘letters patent’.
Who Might Be Affected?
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie
Despite staying clear of their father’s controversies, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie might still face the removal of their titles due to not being active working royals.
Sykes notes that under William’s rule, their princess statuses and HRH titles might be revoked.
Prince Harry
Perhaps more controversially, it seems William aims to withdraw his brother Harry’s royal titles as well.
It’s well known that there has been a strain in the relationship between brothers William and Harry, especially since Harry and his wife Meghan Markle stepped down from their royal duties and relocated to the United States in 2020, citing mistreatment and bullying from senior members of the royal family.
Given that neither Harry nor Meghan are active in royal duties, William could decide to strip their titles when he assumes the throne. However, this move could undoubtedly cause significant backlash.
Sykes suggests that Meghan and Harry’s dukedoms and HRH titles will likely be formally removed by William as the new king.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
Although Prince Harry is no longer a working royal, his children Archie and Lilibet were given their respective titles at birth. However, young Archie and Lilibet’s titles might be reconsidered once William is king, even though he appears to be somewhat lenient towards them compared to their father.
Sykes reveals that William may choose to ‘park’ the titles for his own children until they can decide in adulthood if they wish to follow in royal duties or pursue private lives.
