The Queen Almost Downgraded Meghan and Harry’s Titles but Didn’t Want to Be “Petty”
The queen reportedly almost downgraded Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s titles from Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
She considered making Prince Harry go by “Earl of Dumbarton,” womp.
In case ya missed it, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will no longer be using their HRH titles as they step down from royal duties. The whole thing is a little complicated, but basically, the couple will still be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and they’re simply no longer “His Royal Highness” and “Her Royal Highness.”
This seems like a good middle ground, but get this: Apparently, the queen considered entirely stripping Meghan and Harry of their duke and duchess titles. According to the Evening Standard, Her Majesty contemplated making Harry use his lesser title, the Earl of Dumbarton, and making Meghan a countess (similar to Prince Edward and Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex). Yikes.
Apparently, the queen (and Prince Charles) decided against this move because they didn’t want to appear “petty.” Per a source, “The Sussex title is one of the ancient royal dukedoms given to him ahead of his wedding to Meghan, along with other titles. Removing it was seriously considered and discussed at the highest level.”
As a reminder, Buckingham Palace confirmed Harry and Meghan’s agreed-upon title change in a statement over the weekend, simply saying, “The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles, as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”
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