It seems like another royal storm may be brewing for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and this time, it could have lasting effects on their children. Reports suggest that when Prince William ascends to the throne, he may take the formal step of stripping Prince Harry, Meghan, and even their children, Archie and Lilibet, of their HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) titles. Let’s rewind to see how we got here.

Back in 2020, Harry and Meghan made the decision to step down as senior working royals and relocate to the United States. At the time, they promised the late Queen Elizabeth that they would no longer use their HRH titles. However, it seems that promise has been a bit more flexible than expected. The couple has been accused of still using the HRH title in certain contexts, a move that has not gone unnoticed by the royal family.

While King Charles has thus far resisted taking action, insiders suggest that Prince William has a very different view. The expectation is that once he becomes king, he will issue new Letters Patent—formal royal decrees—to officially remove the HRH titles from Harry, Meghan, and even their children.

But why go after the children? According to reports, William sees no reason to keep open the possibility for Archie and Lilibet to rejoin royal life later, especially since they’ve been raised entirely in America. Some sources close to William have even called Harry’s plans to preserve the HRH titles for his children a form of “trolling,” suggesting that it’s more about stirring controversy than actual intent.

Interestingly, a precedent already exists for this kind of action. Princess Diana lost her HRH title after divorcing Prince Charles, and Sarah Ferguson also lost hers after her split from Prince Andrew. The royal family has already adjusted the rules before, and William could easily do so again as part of a broader effort to streamline the monarchy.

For a time, it was believed that Harry and Meghan didn’t want Archie and Lilibet to have royal titles at all, but in 2022, they publicly used the Prince and Princess titles for the first time during Lilibet’s christening announcement. This move raised eyebrows in the UK and likely further solidified William’s belief that a little “tidying up” of the royal titles is needed when his reign begins.

If William proceeds with this plan, it will be more than just a matter of titles. It will be a clear message from the future king about the role Harry, Meghan, and their children will play in the royal family’s future. And judging by the tone of reports, it seems the Sussexes might not have much of a place in the monarchy moving forward.