However, a source close to William dismissed this idea, telling the Daily Beast: “William obviously isn’t going to hire Archie and Lilibet. This is just trolling on the part of Harry and Meghan.”
The HRH — “His/Her Royal Highness” — isn’t a title in itself, but a style used when addressing certain members of the royal family. It doesn’t guarantee a formal royal position.
A friend of William’s clarified that removing HRH status is relatively straightforward. “An HRH is bestowed by letters patent — essentially a legally binding royal decree — and it can be revoked the same way,” they said.
They referenced the cases of Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson, both of whom lost their HRH styles after divorce, due to revised rules. “There is a distinction,” the source explained. “They’ve asked the Sussexes politely to stop using the style, to no avail. So I imagine William will simply issue new letters patent to formally remove the entire family’s right to use HRH when he becomes king.”
A Move Toward Streamlining the Monarchy
William is expected to present the decision as part of a broader initiative to modernize and streamline the royal family. “He could say that only working royals are entitled to use HRH, which makes sense if you’re trying to modernize,” the insider added. “Or he could specify that only children of the monarch may use it, not grandchildren — a move that would also clarify things for future generations of royals.”
The move could mark a significant shift in how royal status is granted and maintained — and send a clear message about the firm boundaries Prince William intends to draw when it comes to royal duties and family dynamics.
