In the whirlwind world of aristocracy, few stories have captured global attention like Meghan Markle’s journey from Hollywood star to member of the British royal family. Her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018 was hailed as a modern fairy tale, symbolizing change and inclusivity within the monarchy. Yet, that fairy tale took unexpected turns as the couple stepped back from senior royal roles two years later, navigating intense media scrutiny and redefining their image.

This shift, notably, has long sparked questions about Markle’s status, leaving many wondering if she is still a duchess.

Meghan Markle, indeed, is still officially the Duchess of Sussex, despite stepping back from her senior royal duties alongside Prince Harry. When the couple decided to move to California and reduce their royal responsibilities in 2020, they did not lose their Duke and Duchess titles. These peerages, granted by Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day, remain theirs because removing them would require an Act of Parliament, an extremely rare action usually reserved for extreme circumstances.

However, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry do not use the HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) since returning all official royal roles, including patronages and military positions, to the Crown. Their continued use of the Duke and Duchess titles, notably, mirrors other royals, such as Sarah Ferguson, who retained hers after divorcing Prince Andrew. So, as long as Markle does not remarry, she can keep the Duchess of Sussex title. While future monarchs could theoretically revoke it, such action remains highly unlikely. 

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Speaking of future monarchs, though, while Meghan Markle gets to keep her title, she and Prince Harry’s children may face difficulty in this regard, with Prince William allegedly having a plan in place.

Sources speaking to journalist Rob Shuter earlier this year revealed that Prince William plans to exclude Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, from any royal roles once he ascends the throne. “He does not want any lingering ties to the Sussexes,” the insider added, RadarOnline reports. The move reflects ongoing tensions between the brothers and Prince William’s efforts to shape the monarchy on his terms.

So, while Meghan Markle's duchess title remains secure, the future for her children across the pond looks uncertain. As she and Prince Harry carve out their life in California, tensions with Prince William hint at challenges ahead for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Their place in the monarchy is not guaranteed, showing just how complicated royal life can be when tradition, family, and personal choice collide. Only the coming years will reveal how the next generation of Sussexes fits, or does not fit, into the royal story.

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What do you think of Meghan Markle still being a duchess? Let us know in the comments.