Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be living through a period of deep uncertainty, as a royal commentator suggests their titles could be living on borrowed time. According to biographer Tom Bower, King Charles’ recent decision to remove Prince Andrew’s titles and privileges has created a ripple effect that reaches far beyond Andrew himself. It serves, in Bower’s view, as a reminder that nothing is guaranteed, not even a royal title.
For Harry, this was reportedly a moment of genuine shock. If the king is willing to strip his own brother of the prince title, Bower argues, it raises uncomfortable questions about how secure the Sussexes really are. Behind the scenes, William’s anger is said to remain unresolved. The interviews, the memoir, the public accusations, all of it continues to weigh heavily on their relationship.
Bower insists the couple’s position inside the monarchy is now fragile. In his words, the damage done to William and Catherine is something he believes the couple cannot undo.
A rift that refuses to fade
The tension goes back years and, according to Bower, includes what he sees as several moments that crossed a line. Harry’s memoir Spare, with its intimate descriptions of private family disputes, is still considered one of the most painful blows. Yet Bower believes the real turning point was Meghan and Harry’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Meghan’s statement about conversations within the family regarding Archie’s skin tone sparked worldwide controversy and forced Buckingham Palace to respond publicly. Their message was brief but significant, noting that the issues raised were concerning and would be handled privately.
Controversy resurfaced again when Meghan sent a gift accompanied by a card using the HRH title, despite the couple’s agreement not to use it. Their team maintained that it was not used for commercial purposes, but critics saw it as a sign that the Sussexes still rely on the status attached to their former roles.
According to Bower, the question of their titles may ultimately fall to William. While Charles is unlikely to take action without strong cause, William may view a decision as necessary to protect the image and authority of the monarchy. Removing the titles would be a dramatic step, one that could easily appear harsh, yet keeping them in circulation creates its own political complications.