Why King Charles Won't Strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Children of Their Royal Titles
There has been much speculation and discussion surrounding the possibility of stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children of their royal titles. However, King Charles has made it clear that such a decision is highly unlikely. Here's why.
King Charles and the Royal Family
King Charles is known for his sense of duty and respect for tradition, which are deeply rooted within the Royal Family. Unlike the late queen, who had the power to punish certain members by withholding titles, Charles does not wish to strip anyone of their royal titles without a truly monumental reason. This approach reflects his desire to maintain stability within the family and the institution of the monarchy.
Previous Cases and Precedents
The late queen's decision to deny Prince Edward's children (now the Duke and Duchess of York) the right to use the style HRH (Her/His Royal Highness) was an example of a similar situation. This was a form of punishment for Edward's misuse of his title while running his TV production company, Ardent Media. The result? Edward had to give up his company and return to his royal duties. This precedent shows that stripping titles is not taken lightly and is reserved only for significant and justifiable reasons.
Another significant example is the case of King Edward VIII. Despite his abdication and the resulting scandal, his brother, King George VI, retained his title. Edward VIII was even granted a title, albeit under different circumstances, which allowed him to lead a more private life away from the public eye. This decision was made to acknowledge the monumental change in his life and the potential risks he posed with his past actions. Even with such a high-profile example, stripping titles remains a last resort for the monarch.
Harry's Future in the Royal Family
Prince Harry's behavior and relations with the Royal Family have indeed been a source of concern and tension. However, King Charles is not ready to completely write off his son. While the king is angry and sad about the behavior of his son, he remains committed to maintaining harmony within the family. The recent discussions and the king's words indicate that Harry will likely continue to play a role within the Royal Family, albeit in a different capacity than before.
While there have been constant reminders of Harry's obligations and a sense of disappointment, King Charles remains willing to support his son. The king believes that Harry should be grateful for the privileges he has, albeit at the cost of some freedom. For instance, despite Harry's employment at Feally Useful and the subsequent establishment of Ardent Media, the media often portrayed him negatively. However, the late queen recognized the effort he put into these ventures and allowed him to return to public life.
Harry's Responsibility and Growth
Prince Harry has not fully grown up despite his military experiences. His notion of hardship is vastly different from the realities faced by veterans. Harry often seems to believe that a life primarily involving financial support from the royal family is adequate. If he truly wanted to prove himself, he would have embraced the challenges with a more positive outlook rather than wallowing in his perceived victimhood. Instead of complaining about his "poor" life, he could have taken initiatives to build a successful career for himself.
It's clear that the monarchy finds a balance between offering support and expecting responsibility. King Charles, in particular, expects Harry to make the most of the opportunities provided while also contributing meaningfully to the Royal Family. While he is disappointed by certain actions, he is not prepared to strip Harry of his titles just yet.
Closing Thoughts
King Charles's decision to maintain the royal titles of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children reflects his commitment to the traditional values and stability of the monarchy. The cases of Prince Edward and King Edward VIII provide important context for understanding why stripping titles is a rare and significant action. While the relationship between the Royal Family and Prince Harry is complex, the king remains committed to supporting his son, even if in a modified capacity.