Are Harry & Meghan Next? Why Charles’ Demotion of Andrew Could Be Concerning for Sussexes
Andrew’s title loss has reshaped the monarchy and sparked debate over whether Harry and Meghan may one day face similar action.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s royal fall from grace has set a new tone for the monarchy. Often portrayed by experts as entitled, the former Prince now faces a far more restricted life than the one he once took for granted. His removal from public life and the recent stripping of his titles by King Charles have, however, also reignited the debate around whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should too face the same fate.
Writing for The Express, Chris Riches noted that the former Duke of York’s fall from grace has been long and public. Once treated with deference at Windsor, he now experiences a different reality altogether. The 65-year-old has reportedly begun to notice a ‘big change’ in how staff speak to him, with Riches explaining that some feel free to remind him of his altered status. Ephraim Hardcastle of the Daily Mail also observed that the respect he once commanded had ‘disappeared.’ "On his first visit since his title defenestration, the former Prince was not saluted by guards. The customary bows he was offered at every turn have disappeared. Some even relished calling him Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor instead of 'Your Royal Highness,'” Hardcastle shared.
His downfall has prompted a wider question. Charles took strong action against his brother, but would he or his heir, Prince William, ever consider similar steps for the Sussexes? Well, as per reports, William wants a slimmed-down monarchy, with non-working royals stripped of their honors and royal styling.
Sources quoted by Page Six have suggested that Mountbatten-Windsor’s stripping of titles could set a precedent once the proposed Removal of Titles Bill is in place. “If they pass these bills (Removal of Titles Bill), I would not be surprised if Harry is the next one to go,” the source said. Royal expert Lee Cohen also told GB News that William may eventually be expected to bring his father’s efforts to a formal close. “I am eagerly awaiting the day we receive the same news about the divisive, self-promoting, narcissists Harry and Markle,” he argued.
Amidst the growing possibility of their titles being stripped, it is interesting how Markle has rebranded herself. In With Love, Meghan, she corrected Mindy Kaling when she called her 'Meghan Markle.' The Duchess snapped, "You know I’m Sussex now." Her comment suggested that she intends to hold on to that shared identity regardless of future decisions within the Firm, using 'Sussex' not as a royal title, but a family name.
