Harry and Meghan current titles at a glance
As of the most reliable available information, Prince Harry holds the titles of Prince of the United Kingdom and, formerly, Senior Royal. Meghan is formally styled as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. Neither currently holds official public royal duties on behalf of the British monarchy, though both retain their princely and ducal titles by birth and marriage. This explainer outlines how these titles were granted, what they mean, and how their usage has evolved since stepping back from frontline royal responsibilities.
What does HRH mean and who is entitled to it
HRH stands for His or Her Royal Highness, a style used for senior members of the British royal family. By tradition and regulation, HRH is not automatically granted by birth alone; it is conferred by the reigning monarch. For Harry and Meghan, HRH was attached to their titles at marriage in 2018 and was not removed after their decision to step back from royal duties. Retaining HRH signals that they remain immediate family of the sovereign, even without public funding or operational roles.
When and how Harry became HRH
Harry was born a prince, inheriting the style through his lineage as the son of the then-Prince of Wales. On the morning of his wedding in May 2018, Queen Elizabeth II formally confirmed his HRH status alongside his dukedom, making his full style His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, Duke of Sussex. This gesture aligned with longstanding custom for senior royals marrying into public roles.
When and how Meghan became HRH
Meghan, previously known as Rachel Meghan Markle, acquired HRH upon marrying Harry in Windsor on 19 May 2018. On the same day, she was also granted the substantive title Duchess of Sussex, a peerage in the United Kingdom. The Queen issued a statement affirming that the couple would be styled as HRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, making Meghan formally styled Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex thereafter.
Duke of Sussex: title details and history
The Dukedom of Sussex was created in 1801 for Prince Augustus Frederick, the sixth son of King George III. It had remained vacant for nearly 177 years until Queen Elizabeth II conferred it upon Harry on their wedding day in 2018. Unlike some peerages, dukedoms in the modern royal context are personal, non-hereditary honors tied to the individual. The title does not carry automatic land, income, or governmental authority, but it does define how the holder is formally addressed in official and ceremonial contexts.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Harry's title at birth | Prince of the United Kingdom | Royal Warrant and Letters Patent |
| Harry's title after marriage | HRH The Duke of Sussex | Official Buckingham Palace announcement |
| Meghan's title after marriage | HRH The Duchess of Sussex | Official Buckingham Palace announcement |
| Dukedom creation year | 1801 (revived 2018) | Peerage records |
| Current public duties | None as a working royal | Official court circulars and statements |
Stepping back and the Sussex Agreement
In early 2020, Harry and Meghan announced they would cease performing public duties as senior royals and intended to divide their time between the UK and North America. The so-called Sussex Agreement clarified that they would repay public investment tied to their official roles while retaining their titles as individuals. Crucially, the decision affected their workloads and funding, not their legal status or honorifics. They remain HRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, though they no longer use public funds or represent the Crown on official tours.
How their titles are used now in media and official settings
In media and public communication, the couple is commonly referenced as HRH The Duke of Sussex and HRH The Duchess of Sussex. News organizations and broadcasters often respect these styles in formal coverage, though usage may vary. In invitations, ceremonial documents, and genealogy records, the formal styles persist. The couple’s website and public-facing materials typically present their names with these honorifics, reflecting both personal preference and established protocol.
Common misconceptions and clarification
Because Harry and Meghan stepped back from frontline duties, several misconceptions arose: that they lost their titles, that they are no longer royals, or that HRH was revoked. In reality, neither title nor HRH status was formally removed. They retain their princely and ducal styles by virtue of marriage and birth, even while living outside traditional royal structures. Understanding the distinction between holding a title and performing public duties is essential to an accurate profile.
Status and style takeaways
- Harry remains a prince by birth and remains HRH The Duke of Sussex.
- Meghan is HRH The Duchess of Sussex by marriage and has not changed her style.
- Neither currently holds official royal duties, though both retain their peerage and princely status.
- HRH was confirmed at marriage and was not removed when duties ended.
- The Dukedom of Sussex is a personal UK peerage with no direct inheritance or land attached.
What this means going forward
For those researching protocol, genealogy, or media style, it is accurate to refer to the couple as HRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their titles remain valid and in use, even as their public roles evolve. Clarity on style, history, and ongoing status helps avoid confusion and supports consistent, fact-based reporting on their continuing connection to the institution while acknowledging their present circumstances.