Meghan and Harry’s deal struck with the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William in January is to undergo a review in March. This review could simply formalise Meghan and Harry’s departure from the Royal Family and finalise the terms already agreed in early 2020.
However, it could also see the three senior royals who sat at Sandringham with Prince Harry modify the agreement with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex if they think the transition period has shown the arrangement doesn’t “work for all parties”.
Speaking about the review, a palace source said in February: “The Royal Family and Sussexes have agreed to an initial 12-month review to ensure the arrangement works for all parties”.
Royal author Robert Lacey believes there is a chance the review could conclude Meghan and Harry can no longer be called “royal” anymore.
However, this won’t translate in the couple losing their titles.
He told Express.co.uk: “There are two titles involved, there is the HRH status and then there is the actual title of Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
“Obviously if the review in March concludes they can’t stay working royals, then it’s quite likely they would lose or forfeit their HRH styles.
“They have already put it into suspension.
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“The way it is presented at the moment is that they are HRH but they choose not to use it, it doesn’t say that they are banned from using it.
“If this develops in the future, I think it will be presented in the same way – they choose not to be royals anymore.
“That doesn’t mean they give up their titles.
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“The Queen has bestowed them these titles.
“The world is full of people with British titles and they are free to do what they like.
“Just like any other aristocrat, their title is with them for life, they may choose not to use it because for most of the world Harry and Meghan are the star names which commands the fascination of people all over the world.”
While a title can be held by whoever is bestowed it, the HRH style, which stands for His/Her Royal Highness, is used only to address or refer to people close to the line to the throne.
Meghan and Harry announced in January their intention to step back as senior royals and thrashed out on their statement a half-in, half-out solution.
This would have seen them continuing to carry out royal engagements and represent the Queen during visits or tours abroad while also be able to become financially independent and live abroad.
Following the meeting at Sandringham in January, the couple agreed on no longer using the HRH styles – while retaining them – as well as no longer carrying out royal duties.
In turn, they were allowed to retain their patronages, become financially independent and live abroad with their son Archie Harrison.
Since late March, when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially left the Royal Family as senior full-time working members, Meghan and Harry have made several changes to their lives.
Over the summer, the couple have been vocal on voting rights ahead of the US election, the Black Lives Matter movement and support to charities amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In July, Meghan, Harry and Archie moved into their new home in Montecito, Santa Barbara.
In September, they revealed to have struck a deal with Netflix, which will see them become TV producers for the streaming platforms.
And, over the past few months, as well as volunteering for different charities, Meghan and Harry have also worked behind the scenes on their new foundation, Archewell.
The foundation, the website of which was launched in late October, will focus on creating more humane and understanding communities both online and in real life.
