Why Prince Harry and Meghan’s new titles are even confusing Buckingham Palace
When Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan announced they would be stepping down as senior members of the royal family, a spanner was thrown into the works of a meticulously run Palace – one that is still having trouble smoothing out all the kinks.
Buckingham Palace announced the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be giving up not only their royal duties but the role of representing the Queen in a formal capacity and their HRH titles.
When the statement was released, royals from the palace also verified that the pair would now be dubbed Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
However, as it would turn out, it is not as straightforward as it seems and according to a new report from PEOPLE, Palace experts are reviewing the new titles of Prince Harry and Meghan.
According to latest sources, the new title involves both Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson who divorced from their royal spouses – Prince Charles and Prince Andrew – and as a result, were touted as Diana, Princess of Wales, and Sarah, Duchess of York.
The issue is – there has not been any divorce between Prince Harry and Meghan so questions arise as to whether their new titles are in fact correct.
While there's no sure answer yet as to what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s official titles will be moving forward, we can still refer to them as their Royal Highnesses until their transition period deadline of Spring 2020 is over.
Prince Harry’s position in line to the throne has not changed and he remains sixth-in-line while his son, eight-month-old Archie is just behind his dad as seventh-in-line.
Last Monday, Prince Harry attended the Sandringham Summit to discuss his and Duchess Meghan’s future with the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William.
Following Kensington Palace announcing the new plans set in place for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry attended a private dinner for charity Sentebale and delivered a hearty and emotional speech.
"It brings me great sadness that it has come to this," he told the room.
"The decision I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly... Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible."
He continued: "I've accepted this, knowing that it doesn't change who I am or how committed I am.
"But I hope that helps you understand what it had to come to, that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life."
Prince Harry is believed to be back in Canada with Meghan and Archie, where they plan to forge ahead with their new life away from the prying eyes of the British tabloids.