And according to one royal commentator, she has no intention of relinquishing it anytime soon. As speculation intensifies around Prince William’s reported plans to strip non-working royals of their titles — and after a recent Harper’s Bazaar moment reignited the debate — new claims suggest that Meghan sees her title not as tradition, but as influence, and a highly valuable bargaining chip.
Claims of Strategic Use
Royal author and biographer Tom Bower has weighed into the controversy, arguing that Meghan’s use of her royal title is both intentional and calculated. Speaking to The Mirror, Bower warned that Prince Harry and Meghan could find themselves increasingly vulnerable once William becomes King. Despite that looming threat, he believes Meghan continues to cling tightly to the status she stepped back from years ago.
“It’s a great trading asset, and she uses it ruthlessly and with impunity,” he said.
According to Bower, Meghan’s attachment to her title has little to do with sentiment or loyalty to the royal family. “It’s nothing to do with the royal family, she couldn’t care two hoots about that, she just uses it to give herself the status she craves,” he claimed. In his view, the Duchess title functions largely as a brand amplifier — a label that opens doors, shapes public perception, and carries major commercial appeal, especially in the US.
Preparing for a Legal Fight
Adding to the speculation are reports that Meghan has begun quietly preparing for the possibility of losing her title altogether. According to Woman’s Day, she has allegedly started reaching out to legal advisers amid growing rumours that William may consider formally stripping the Sussexes of their titles once he is King.
“Meghan’s not taking any chances and she’s willing to fight to keep her title,” a source reportedly told the publication. “She’s consulting with various legal experts on what strategies she can use to keep her duchess name – and she may actually have a case.”
The Andrew Precedent
The notion that titles could be removed once seemed outside the realm of possibility — until the former Prince Andrew was effectively reduced to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following widespread public backlash. According to Bower, that moment also served as a wake-up call for Meghan.