In a bold new suggestion, royal commentator Sharon Hunt has proposed that King Charles could take a controversial yet strategic step to protect the future of the monarchy — and his son, Prince William — by stripping Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of their royal titles.
Writing for Daily Mail Australia, Hunt argued that Charles might choose to remove the HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) status from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children before William ascends the throne. The move, she says, could help shield the future king from public backlash and avoid placing him in the difficult position of making the decision himself.
The proposal mirrors a real-life precedent from Denmark, where Queen Margrethe II removed royal titles from four of her grandchildren in 2022 in an effort to streamline the monarchy. Though controversial at the time, the Danish royal family later reconciled, with affected family members continuing to take part in public events.
"Adopting the Danish royal family's blueprint for title removal could potentially not only keep William's hands clean," Hunt wrote, "but it may even hold the door ajar — even if by just an inch — for a future reconciliation between the warring brothers."
She added that the decision would rest solely with King Charles. “What the British incumbent can do during his time in charge is provide surety and stability for the next generation by making a tough call,” she explained.
While Archie and Lilibet automatically became prince and princess following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, their parents’ decision to step back from royal duties — coupled with the ongoing rift with the royal family — has continued to fuel debate over whether the children should retain those titles.
Hunt concludes that such a move by Charles would be a self-sacrificing act, sparing Prince William from having to make it himself once he becomes king, and clarifying the monarchy’s direction as it adapts to modern expectations. Whether the King will take such a step remains to be seen, but the idea underscores the delicate balancing act required to preserve royal tradition while planning for its future.
