Prince William is widely believed to be the primary figure blocking Prince Harry’s potential return to the royal fold — and he may also take decisive action to ensure Harry’s children have no formal place within the monarchy.
The once-close relationship between the brothers has reportedly deteriorated irreparably over the past five years.
Harry stepped back from royal responsibilities in 2020 and moved to the United States with Meghan Markle, a decision many within the palace saw as deeply disloyal.
Since then, Harry has made a number of public statements critical of the royal family, despite expressing a desire to mend fences.
However, insiders suggest William is unconvinced by what he perceives as Harry’s mixed messages — and remains the most significant obstacle standing between Harry and any future reconciliation with their father, King Charles III.
Conflict Over Royal Titles Deepens Rift
Tensions between the royal households have reportedly worsened this year, particularly following revelations that Harry and Meghan have continued to use their “His/Her Royal Highness” (HRH) styling — despite assurances to the late Queen Elizabeth that they would refrain from doing so.
While King Charles has not taken formal steps to revoke the HRH usage, those close to William say he would be more decisive in his approach once he ascends the throne.
Children’s Titles Could Also Be Revoked
This stance may have wider implications for Harry and Meghan’s children — Prince Archie, age 6, and Princess Lilibet, age 4 — who are being raised in California and reportedly speak with American accents. They currently live outside of royal life and have little to no involvement with the monarchy.
Sources say Harry hopes his children will retain the HRH designation, possibly preserving the option for them to take on royal roles in the future.
But a source close to William dismissed this possibility, telling the Daily Beast: “There’s no scenario where William’s going to bring Archie and Lilibet into the royal fold. That’s just Harry and Meghan trying to provoke.”
A friend of Prince William added that removing the HRH styling is a relatively simple process.
“It’s granted through letters patent — a formal legal document — and can be taken away the same way,” they explained.
They pointed to precedent: both Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson lost their HRH styling after their divorces due to updated rules.
“The Sussexes have been asked not to use HRH, and they’ve ignored that request. William may very well issue new letters patent to formally remove those rights once he is king.”
Toward a Slimmer, More Modern Monarchy
William’s expected decision would likely be presented as part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline the royal family.
One possible explanation he could offer is that only active, working royals should be permitted to use the HRH style — a move that would align with his long-term vision for a more focused monarchy.
Alternatively, he might propose that only children of the sovereign should be entitled to HRH status, effectively excluding grandchildren from automatic inclusion — a shift that would redefine the criteria for royal recognition moving forward.
Such changes would not only reflect William’s intent to modernize the institution but also establish firmer boundaries around who holds formal royal status, reinforcing a more structured and streamlined royal framework for the future.
