Despite being stripped of their HRH titles by the royal family due to their decision to step down as senior royals in 2020, Meghan and Harry occasionally still refer to themselves as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This continued use of their titles raises questions, especially as they have now been living outside the confines of the royal institution for four years. Royal expert Sarah Vine argues that the Sussexes should be stripped of all their royal titles. In a column for The Daily Mail, Vine cites a recent public appearance by the couple as sufficient reason for their titles to be permanently revoked. By associating themselves with staunchly anti-monarchist company, the Duke and Duchess seem to be intentionally undermining both the reputation of individual members of the royal family and the institution as a whole.
According to Paul Burrell, Princess Diana's former butler, there is no room for Prince Harry and Meghan within the royal fold anymore. Burrell believes that any hopes of reconciliation between the two camps are highly unlikely, as the royal family has adopted a new strategy of maintaining internal cohesion. Speaking on behalf of the royal family, Burrell stated, "I don't think they'll ever be invited back with open arms. The doors are firmly shut. I think the royals are consolidating, keeping tight-lipped, and keeping everything in-house. That's their tactic. They've regrouped and pulled together, leaving no space for Meghan and Harry."
Furthermore, Burrell speculates that Meghan will eventually publish an explosive memoir, attributing the reason for the delay to her desire to tell her side of the story. He anticipates that she will want to share her perspective as a woman who felt marginalized within the royal family. Burrell believes that Meghan's memoir, once released, will further damage the reputation of the royal family and create more turmoil within their ranks.
