Meghan Markle is reportedly feeling both “panicked and defiant” amid growing fears that Prince William could move to strip her of the Duchess of Sussex title once he becomes king.
Markle, 44, and Prince Harry, 41, continue to hold the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex despite stepping down from royal duties five years ago and publicly criticising the monarchy in interviews and documentaries.
A Royal Chill in Montecito
Recent developments involving Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson (Fergie) — who were formally stripped of their royal titles — have reportedly sent “a chill through Montecito.” Insiders claim the Sussexes now fear they could be next.
According to royal sources, Meghan believes she could soon face a similar reckoning because of her public criticism of the royal institution and her use of the Duchess title for commercial ventures.
“Meghan’s really anxious that William could one day use his position to strip her of the title,” a source close to the couple told Radar Online.
“She’s been telling friends, ‘No one’s taking my Duchess away.’”
For Meghan, the title is deeply personal — a symbol of identity and achievement that defines how the world perceives her. Losing it, insiders say, would feel like “being erased from the story entirely.”
The Brand of ‘The Duchess of Sussex’
Markle continues to use her royal title in branding her business projects, including her As Ever lifestyle line, which is marketed as “by the Duchess of Sussex.”
The former Suits actress has also publicly stated that her family uses “Sussex” as their surname instead of Mountbatten-Windsor.
William’s Reported Plan to Restructure the Monarchy
Royal commentator Tom Sykes has suggested that Prince William is preparing a significant restructuring of the royal hierarchy upon ascending the throne.
“Prince William will strip Prince Andrew, along with all other non-working royals, of their HRHs and princely titles when he becomes king,” Sykes wrote in The Daily Beast.
He added that the changes would be carried out through an executive royal order known as letters patent, a formal mechanism ratified by Parliament early in the reign of King William V.
This move could reportedly remove princely or royal titles not only from Prince Andrew, but also from Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Harry, Archie, and Lilibet.
‘Erased from the Story’
Insiders say the possibility of losing her Duchess title has deeply unsettled Meghan, who views it as central to her personal and professional identity.
“She feels that losing the title would erase part of her story and undo much of what she’s worked to build,” one insider said.
Behind closed doors, sources describe Meghan as both anxious and resolute — privately voicing her determination to protect her title at all costs.
A Tense Wait in California
While Meghan and Harry remain based in Montecito, California, sources claim the couple are closely following developments in the UK. They are said to be weighing future visits and public engagements carefully amid fears of further royal backlash.
Observers note that Prince William’s reported plan mirrors the monarchy’s recent decision to remove titles from Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson — a move seen as part of a broader campaign to modernise and streamline the royal family.
For now, the Duchess appears unyielding. Friends describe her as “defiant but uneasy,” determined to defend her title — even as the monarchy prepares for one of the most dramatic overhauls in recent royal history.