Meghan Markle is reportedly taking legal advice to safeguard her royal title amid concerns that Prince William could move to revoke it once he becomes king.

Sources close to the Duchess of Sussex told Radar Online that the former actress is "panicked and defiant," preparing to defend the title she has held since marrying Prince Harry in 2018.

Concern Over Royal Precedent

The 44-year-old Duchess's concern reportedly deepened after King Charles III recently took steps to strip Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson of their titles.

According to insiders, Prince William supported his father's firm stance against his uncle, a move that has heightened speculation that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could be next in line for review.

"Meghan's really anxious that William could one day use his position to strip her of the title," a source close to the couple told the outlet.

The insider said Markle views her Duchess title as deeply personal and tied to her public identity, explaining that losing it "would feel like being written out of the story entirely."

The Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020 and relocated to California, where they have since built a media and philanthropic brand around their royal image. Markle has also launched her new lifestyle company, As Ever, selling luxury goods including jams and pancake mix.

Legal Preparations and Mounting Tension

According to those familiar with the couple's plans, the former actress has been consulting legal experts about her options should any move be made to remove her title.

"Titles still matter enormously," one insider said.

"So much of Meghan and Harry's influence – in the media, in business, in their charity work – comes from being the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Without that, the dynamic shifts completely."

Friends of the Duchess insist that Markle has no intention of quietly surrendering. One source described her as "ambitious" and "relentless," noting that if she feels cornered, "she'll come out swinging – through the courts, the media, whatever it takes."

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For now, the Duchess of Sussex is said to be carefully preparing behind the scenes, balancing her public projects with private legal consultations. Markle reportedly remains firm, "No one's taking my Duchess away."

Royal observers note that the question of titles has become increasingly fraught within the monarchy.

King Charles's decision regarding Prince Andrew, who lost his Duke of York title following his association with Jeffrey Epstein, signaled a new era of accountability within the family.

According to The Sun, Charles also cautioned Andrew's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, that their privileges could be "re-examined" should their parents refuse to vacate their royal residence, Royal Lodge.

The warnings, insiders say, sent "shockwaves" through Markle and Harry's circle. A friend of the Duchess told Radar that watching Andrew's downfall was "a wake-up call" for Markle, with an expert also saying the same to The Sun.

"She's taken it as a clear warning that no title is guaranteed. If anyone tries to take hers, she's not going to stay silent."

A Modern Vision, a Growing Rift

Prince William has made no secret of his wish to modernize the monarchy and streamline its ranks. A palace insider said William views the future royal family as one focused on "public service rather than personal enterprise." The source added that he "wants it to feel modern and responsible," even if that means rethinking "how titles are used by royals who don't work for the Crown."

Relations between the Sussexes and the Prince of Wales remain strained despite reports that Prince Harry has sought reconciliation with his father.

According to one royal insider, "William's running out of patience. He believes the Sussexes have cashed in on their royal connection while damaging the family's reputation."

"If he carries that view into his reign, Meghan's title could be on very shaky ground."

Tags
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Prince William