Meghan and Harry left royal life years ago… so why are their titles still causing so much debate?

The British Royal Family has faced profound internal and public scrutiny in recent years, leading to significant changes in titles and roles.

A major point of ongoing public debate involves Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, whose status as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their use of royal styles have been subjects of intense discussion since they stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020.

The Status of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

In January 2020, it was announced that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would no longer be “working members” of the British Royal Family.

As part of this transition:

• The couple agreed they would not use their “Royal Highness” (HRH) titles in any official capacity.

• While they retain the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they have moved toward financial independence and stepped away from formal representation of the monarchy.

• Reports have indicated that despite the agreement to stop using the HRH style, the couple has continued to use it in a private capacity, which has contributed to ongoing public and media commentary.

Comparison with Prince Andrew’s Titles

The discussion regarding Harry and Meghan often draws comparisons to the situation of Prince Andrew, whose royal status underwent a more drastic change recently.

• In October 2025, King Charles III initiated a formal process to remove Prince Andrew’s remaining royal styles and honours, including the title of “Prince” and the designation “His Royal Highness”.

• By November 2025, through a formal Letters Patent, it was declared that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—formerly Prince Andrew—was no longer entitled to the title of “Prince” or the style of “Royal Highness”.

• These actions followed years of scandal related to his association with Jeffrey Epstein and were distinct from the voluntary “stepping back” arrangement made by the Sussexes.