Meghan Markle and Harry have received a reassuring update about their royal titles after claims that Prince William plans to remove their honours when he eventually becomes King.

Royal commentator Tom Bower told the Mirror that taking titles from the Duke of Sussex and Meghan would be far more complicated than many assume. He added that any move of this kind would not come directly from King Charles.

According to Bower, the family is caught in a difficult position. He explained that the only real way to weaken Meghan’s public standing would be to remove her title, although such a step could appear petty.

Bower said it is highly unlikely that Charles would make such a decision during his reign and would only act if William applied significant pressure. He noted that there is currently no clear reason to strip the couple of their titles, as they have not done anything particularly embarrassing beyond using their status for commercial ventures.

Even so, Bower warned that a change may eventually come but would need to be handled with caution.

His remarks follow Charles’s recent decision to remove titles from his brother Prince Andrew. The palace confirmed that a formal process is underway to take back Andrew’s style, titles and honours. He will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. The notice to surrender his Royal Lodge lease has also been issued, and he is expected to move into private accommodation.

Meghan and Harry left their roles as senior working royals in 2020 and now live in the United States with their children Archie and Lilibet.