Prince William’s Decision on Archie and Lilibet Could Shut the Royal Door on Beatrice and Eugenie
Prince William reportedly plans ‘to be his own man’ and distance himself from his father, King Charles’, legacy when he ascends the throne. However, he intends to uphold his father’s vision of a slimmed-down monarchy, with fewer senior royals performing public duties. William may also reportedly restrict the HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) title to only working royals, which would strip the Sussex children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, of their titles. This decision may also impact the York sisters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
It is widely reported that William wants to strip Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their two children of their HRH titles when he becomes King. Harry and Markle stepped down as senior royals in 2020, which means they and their children cannot carry out royal duties on behalf of the monarch. As reported by GB News, Beatrice and Eugenie, meanwhile, currently hold HRH titles but do not undertake royal duties. If William’s plans come to fruition, the York sisters would also naturally be stripped of their titles, along with Archie and Lilibet, as non-working royals.
William's alleged plans to strip the Sussexes and their children of their titles come shortly after Harry and Markle reportedly applied for British passports for Archie and Lilibet with their HRH titles. A source told The Guardian that the Duke and Duchess feared that UK officials were delaying their kids' passports because the applications included the HRH titles. The insider explained that Harry wishes to keep the HRH titles for Archie and Lilibet so that when they grow older, they can decide for themselves whether they want to become working royals or remain out of the public eye. The passport application is said to have triggered William to take action.
While the Prince of Wales has a strict stance on the Sussexes, he allegedly has quite a liking for Beatrice and Eugenie. Royal expert Ingrid Seward revealed that the York sisters could have increased royal duties when William became King. She told Hello! magazine, "I see them as sort of a double act, working together in the same way as married couples do. Two gorgeous Princesses working together as sisters would be very powerful... I think it will happen." Alluding to the King’s desire for a 'slimmed-down monarchy,' Seward claimed Beatrice and Eugenie’s expanded roles solely depended on William. She added, "Having slimmed down the monarchy, I don’t think he [Charles] will change his mind, so I think he will leave it to William to bring them into the fold." If William decides to give Beatrice and Eugenie expanded royal roles, the sisters could have a chance to retain their HRH titles. However, the same cannot be said for Harry and Markle, who appear firm in their decision not to return to the UK.