Decoding British Royal Titles: Who Gets What And Why It Matters

The British royal family has a rigid hierarchical organization with different titles signifying offices, ranks, and privileges.

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Prince William is said to be contemplating stripping his younger brother Prince Harry and sister-in-law Meghan Markle of their "His/Her Royal Highness" (HRH) titles when he becomes king. The decision, an insider told The Daily Beast, is a reaction to Meghan's recent use of her royal title to promote personal business endeavors, a breach of a previous arrangement with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The scandal flared up again after Meghan used her title on a high-end gift basket she sent to podcast host Jamie Kern Lima, according to reports. The basket contained a 'homemade strawberry sauce' with a card saying: "With the Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex."

This move could have violated an agreement made in 2020, when Harry and Meghan resigned as senior royals. Then, Queen Elizabeth II had asked the couple not to use their HRH titles for business purposes.

The British royal family has a rigid hierarchical organization with different titles signifying offices, ranks, and privileges. Here is the list of most important royal and noble titles along with their implications:

Heads of the Monarchy
King/Queen

These roles are owned by the sovereign monarchs, who are ceremonial heads of state with the UK's constitutional monarchy. Although they are powerless in legislation, they represent national tradition and identity. Succession is hereditary, not matter the gender, following a 2011 reform. When Queen Elizabeth II broke the record with a 70-year reign, her son became King Charles III on May 6, 2023.