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.”