Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's continued association with their "His/Her Royal Highness" (HRH) titles remains a topic of considerable discussion and, at times, controversy. While they agreed not to actively use these titles after stepping down as senior royals in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have retained them, leading to questions about their motivations and the implications for the royal family.
One key reason for clinging to the HRH titles appears to be the desire to keep options open for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Prince Harry reportedly wants his children to retain their HRH titles, giving them the choice to potentially assume royal roles in the future or lead more private lives. This aligns with Harry's desire to provide his children with the freedom to choose their own paths. However, this stance has reportedly caused "bemusement in royal circles," with some suggesting that such roles are unlikely under Prince William's reign.
Despite stepping down from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have continued to use their HRH designations privately. Meghan faced criticism after a gift she sent to Jamie Kern Lima was revealed to be signed "With Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex". While a source clarified that the Sussexes do not use HRH for commercial purposes and that the gift was personal, the incident sparked debate about whether Meghan was adhering to the agreement made when she and Harry stepped back as working royals.
The use of the HRH title carries significant symbolic weight. It signals prestige, seniority, and proximity to the Crown, typically reserved for the monarch's children and grandchildren who actively serve the royal institution. PR expert Mark Borkowski suggested that Meghan's use of the HRH title gives her a social advantage, as royal connections are seen as impressive. He explained that the title might help her get better treatment or attention in high-profile circles, like securing a top table at a restaurant.
However, some view the continued use of the HRH title as hypocritical, given that Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal roles to pursue independent lives. Critics argue that using the title, even in a private capacity, contradicts the spirit of the agreement they made with the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Looking ahead, the future of Archie and Lilibet's HRH titles remains uncertain. Some reports suggest that Prince William is considering stripping the children of their HRH titles once he ascends the throne. This possibility has sparked further debate about the role and status of the Sussex children within the royal family. Royal insiders have expressed skepticism about Harry and Meghan's belief that their children might one day choose to become working royals, with one source calling it "utterly absurd". They argue that Archie and Lilibet are being raised as American children, far removed from the customs and culture of royal life.
Ultimately, the question of why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are clinging to their HRH titles is complex and multifaceted. It involves considerations of personal choice, family legacy, and the evolving relationship between the Sussexes and the royal family. While the debate continues, it is clear that the HRH titles remain a potent symbol of royal connection and a source of ongoing discussion.
