Meghan Markle Uses Her Title 'Ruthlessly And With Impunity', Royal Expert Claims

The simmering tension between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Royal Family has reached a new boiling point, not over an explosive interview or a tell-all memoir, but over two words: 'Duchess of Sussex'.

For years, Meghan Markle's use of her title has been a lightning rod for controversy, but recent developments have cast a chilling shadow over its future. Amid warnings that Prince William, the Prince of Wales, may strip the couple of their royal honours upon his accession to the throne, sources now reveal that Meghan is taking proactive, high-stakes steps to secure her status.

The question is no longer whether the title is controversial, but whether Meghan is willing to launch a legal war against the future King to keep it. This unprecedented move underscores the immense commercial and psychological value Meghan places on her royal association, despite her self-imposed exile from the monarchy.

Meghan Markle Consulting Legal Experts To Protect Her Royal Status

The core of the recent conflict stems from stark warnings issued by royal experts, who believe Prince Harry and Meghan are deeply 'vulnerable' to losing their royal titles once Prince William becomes King.

Royal expert Tom Bower, speaking to The Mirror, did not mince words when assessing the Duchess's motivation for clinging to her title. He stated that the title is 'a great trading asset, and she uses it ruthlessly and with impunity.'

He suggested that Meghan's actions are purely self-serving and transactional, adding, 'It's nothing to do with the royal family, she couldn't care two hoots about that, she just uses it to give herself the status she craves.'

Bower's assessment is that, without the formal dignity of the royal title, Meghan's identity and subsequent commercial viability would be critically undermined. He elaborated on the immense fear this possibility must generate for the Duchess, particularly following a significant recent royal precedent. He claimed, 'I don't think Meghan realised until Harry told her that his uncle had lost his title, that that is a reality.'

This refers to the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his military affiliations and patronages in 2022 by the late Queen Elizabeth II due to the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. While the circumstances differ, the precedent established a clear mechanism for the removal of royal titles and status.

Bower admitted the ruthlessness displayed by the monarchy in dealing with Prince Andrew was unexpected, which he believes has put Meghan on edge. 'I don't think she, or any of us, realised they could be so ruthless,' he confessed.

This anxiety, according to the royal commentator, has led to a crucial moment of reckoning for the Duchess: 'I can only imagine she's now sitting there thinking, 'What are we going to do?' Because without the titles, who is she?'

However, Bower concludes that by continuing to leverage the title for commercial gain—be it through media deals, public speaking, or her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard—Meghan is actively undermining the institution she benefits from. He stated plainly, 'But she is betraying the royal family every time she uses the title.'

The anxiety surrounding a potential title removal has clearly moved beyond mere speculation. Woman's Day recently reported, citing royal insiders, that Meghan has now taken concrete steps to protect her name. The publication claimed that Meghan has been 'consulting with various legal experts' regarding the looming threat from Prince William.

This is a powerful indication that the Duchess views the potential stripping of her title as a legal battle, not just a matter of royal courtesy.

The Power of the Duchess: Why Meghan Markle's Title Is Non-Negotiable

The desperation driving Meghan's apparent legal consultations highlights the massive utility the 'Duchess of Sussex' title provides, especially outside the confines of the monarchy. While the Duke and Duchess were permitted to retain their titles after stepping down as senior working royals in 2020, they agreed not to use their 'HRH' (His/Her Royal Highness) styles.

However, the commercial and social cachet of 'Meghan, Duchess of Sussex' remains a fundamental pillar of their brand, based primarily in Montecito, California.

The report by Woman's Day suggests that Meghan is ready to employ every available legal avenue to keep her name. The royal sources told the publication that 'Meghan's not taking any chances and she's willing to fight to keep her title.

She's consulting with various legal experts on what strategies she can use to keep her duchess name – and she may actually have a case.'

The idea that Meghan may 'actually have a case' against the Crown is a crucial element. The Duke of Sussex's title is hereditary, tying him directly to the Crown Estate as a son of the King.

However, Meghan's title—granted through marriage—is far less straightforward to strip, and she may have legal arguments based on divorce law precedents or other constitutional ambiguities. For a celebrity brand built on the glamour and authority of a royal association, the title is literally worth millions in endorsement deals, media partnerships, and public platform visibility.

The stakes could not be higher: for Meghan, the title represents authority, global recognition, and commercial opportunity. For Prince William, removing the title would represent the definitive closing of the door on his estranged brother and sister-in-law, a final act of accountability for those who use the institution for private gain while simultaneously criticising it.

IBTimes UK has reached out to Meghan Markle's reps for comments.