Queen’s turmoil: Can Prince Harry keep his military titles?
It's up for review...
![The Queen and Prince Harry attend the wedding of Lady Gabrielle Windsor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dj9Dh7CDf2WR8uKKe9hoxc-415-80.jpg)
Royal insiders have reportedly been briefed that Prince Harry will be stripped of his military titles in due course, following his decision to step down as a senior royal last year.
- Speaking on True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat, Roya Nikkhah said Prince Harry keeping his military titles is "clearly not going to happen"
- Royal Editor, Russell Myers, says the Duke ‘can’t be “one foot in and one foot out”’ after his departure from the royal family
- It follows royal news that Kate Middleton 'saved' Prince William
Her Majesty the Queen has got a tough decision to make with regards to Prince Harry’s military titles.
When he and Meghan Markle chose to step down as senior royals last year, they relinquished their royal patronages and all duties taken on behalf of the Queen.
It has been rumoured that the couple - who recently settled into their new Santa Barbara family home - will “likely” lose their HRH titles. But Prince Harry’s military titles have become more of a deeper issue.
Two royal experts this week have claimed there is no way The Duke of Sussex can retain his military titles and not be an official working member of the royal family.
More from Woman&Home
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle started a new life in America
Speaking on The Royal Beat - True Royalty TV’s podcast - royal correspondent Roya Nikkah said, “Those of us that speak to Buckingham Palace regularly have been briefed very clearly that is not going to happen.”
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Fellow royal editor, Russell Myers, said it’s a case of setting precedent for other members of The Firm - that Harry cannot pick and choose what he is part of.
“I can’t see that he can [keep his military titles]. He can’t be ‘one foot in and one foot out’. They are honorary titles and you need to be a member of the working Royal Family and they [Harry and Meghan] have chosen their path.”
But, Woman’s royal columnist, Duncan Larcombe recently warned that there is a “real danger” if the Queen strips ex-soldier Harry of his titles when the ‘Megxit’ deal is up for review in February, and forces him out of the huge role he currently plays within the Armed Forces.
He said, “There is a real danger at play here. By insisting Harry severs official links with the military, the royals will simply throw the baby out with the bathwater.
“Harry understands the military. The military adores Harry. He has earned the right to consider himself one of their own. Yes, fears of ‘cherry-picking’ are real, but so is Harry’s deep connection with, and adoration for, the Armed Forces. By blocking him from a royal/military function, the Queen will lose an enormous asset – a royal who can look servicemen in the eye.
“Harry should be allowed to wear his poppy. That’s what the forces want, it’s what Harry wants and, ultimately, it is what is best for the Royal Family.”
Georgia writes across Woman & Home and Good to Know and specialises in all things royal. Previously labelled the "Queen of the royals," Georgia knows the whose who and what's what when it comes to the monarchy. When she's not eagerly following the royal family, Georgia enjoys shopping and self-care. She lives with this motto in mind; "if your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough."
-
Eva Mendes just wore the perfect wedding guest outfit – halterneck, polka dots and pleats make the most elegant combination
We're adding this combination to our summer style rotation
By Molly Smith Published
-
Queen Letizia is magnificent in magenta printed dress with matching bag and we're never been more convinced to ditch neutrals
Queen Letizia's magenta printed dress and bag added a splash of colour on a hot summer's day and this shade was simply stunning
By Emma Shacklock Published