Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could lose “millions of pounds” if they are stripped of their royal titles, an expert has warned.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped away from the Royal Family in early 2020 when they relocated from the UK to the US – but have still kept those titles. Since then, they signed several lucrative commercial deals, including a bumper multi-year agreement worth tens of millions of dollars with Netflix.
But Conservative Party MP Bob Seely wants to adopt laws that were originally passed in World War I to deny German nobles their British titles. The bill could force the House of Commons to consider turning the Duke and Duchess of Sussex into simple “Mr and Mrs”.
Under current legislation, Harry’s father King Charles III would only be able to remove the titles through an Act of Parliament.
Mark Boardman, an entertainment and showbiz expert with more than 20 years of industry experience, has warned of the devastating financial impact facing Harry and Meghan if they were to lose their royal titles.
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He told Daily Express US: “The potential costs of losing royal titles could be substantial, not only for the immediate financial impact but also the long-term effects on their earning potential.
“Financial penalties or contractual repercussions tied to their titles within existing contracts could amount to millions, particularly if lucrative commercial deals are affected to the tune of millions a year in lost income should the worst happen, and the Sussexes lose their royal titles.
Boardman added: “Public reactions to the loss of titles may vary by country, with the most significant effects seen in the UK and the US with regards to the impact on their standing would be significant.
“While some may view it positively as a move towards independence, others may see it negatively as a departure from tradition.
“Meghan Markle’s popularity in the US is more likely influenced by factors beyond royal titles, such as her individual achievements and personal qualities, but the Royal Family turmoil would make headlines leading to a decline in popularity which could take years to recover from.
Harry and Meghan’s reputation as a couple and as individuals would be “completely ruined” if they were to be stripped of their royal titles, a PR strategist has also warned.
Laura Perkes told The Mirror: “If Harry and Meghan do get stripped of their titles, I don’t think they’ll know what to do with themselves.
“Over the past few years, they’ve been able to flaunt their association with the Royal Family and cash in on the secrets that they hold and the events that go on behind closed doors.
“But you can’t have your cake and eat it. This is the issue that the public has with the couple, they’ve said one thing and done another, hoping to get away with it.
The PR expert further warned: “Their reputation as a couple, as well as individuals, would be completely ruined, I can’t imagine that any brand wants to be associated with them anymore.
“What else do they actually have to offer? They’ve sold all their stories and their version of “the truth”. It really does look like they’ve been chewed up and spat out.
“If they are stripped of their titles then they really will get their wish of living their life away from the prying eye of the press and “on their terms.”
