UK Royal family website strips Prince Harry off of 'His Royal Highness' title

Remember how Prince Harry was always addressed as "His Royal Highness" on the royal family's official website? Well, in a recent twist of royal drama, that tradition has been altered.

According to Express, as of last Friday, Prince Harry's prestigious title was still prominently displayed on his dedicated page. However, when Express revisited the site on Tuesday, to everyone's surprise, the title had vanished into thin air.

These references were initially tied to Prince Harry's dedicated efforts in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS in 2016. Now, his title has undergone a transformation, being replaced with "the Duke of Sussex."

Fancy, isn't it?

But here's the intriguing part: he didn't officially acquire the dukedom from Queen Elizabeth until his wedding to Meghan Markle in May 2018. That pivotal moment marked his formal receipt of the royal nod for this title.

The royal website is currently undergoing a comprehensive overhaul following Queen Elizabeth's reign. Just last week, Express noted that the site was slightly outdated, referring to Queen Elizabeth as the former monarch, labeling King Charles as the "Prince of Wales," and recognizing Queen Camilla as "the Duchess of Cornwall."

According to Express, "The Royal Family website contains over five thousand pages of information about the life and work of the Royal Family. Following the passing of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, content has been systematically reviewed and periodically updated. Some content may remain outdated until this process is finalized."

A twist in the tale for Harry and Meghan

Recall the moment when Prince Harry and Meghan caused a stir in 2020 by expressing their desire to step back from the whirlwind of royal engagements? Following that monumental revelation, another significant change unfolded.

Following a discussion between Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth, his father (who was then Prince Charles), and his brother Prince William, a momentous decision was reached at the Sandringham Summit.

Buckingham Palace, the opulent residence where royal affairs unfold, disclosed the decision, stating, "The Sussexes will no longer be using their HRH titles as they are no longer active members of the working Royal Family."

So, what does this mean exactly?

Although Prince Harry and Meghan have bid farewell to the HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) titles, they still retain their revered "Duke and Duchess of Sussex" titles.

In essence, the super formal HRH has been replaced with the more informal "Harry, the Duke of Sussex" and "Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex."

Following their choice to step back from their royal responsibilities and establish a new life in Meghan's hometown of California, the couple is often referred to simply as "Harry" and "Meghan."

Royal Succession: Changes for Prince Harry and their children

Despite their altered lifestyle, Prince Harry maintains his place in the line of succession to the throne.

• He remains strong in fifth place after the passing of Queen Elizabeth.
• His brother, Prince William, and William's three children with Kate Middleton—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—precede him in the order.
• Prince Harry and Meghan's two children—four-year-old son, Prince Archie, and two-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet—follow in line for the royal throne after their father.

Although Prince Harry and Meghan have withdrawn from official royal duties, their children experienced significant title changes when King Charles assumed the throne.

• In March, the royal palace updated its official website to reflect Archie and Lili's new titles.
• Previously known as "Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor" and "Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor," they are now officially titled as "Prince" and "Princess."

The tradition of using the titles of prince and princess traces its origins back to the era of King George V, who established this practice for his grandkids in the royal lineage.

Archie and Lili were initially excluded due to their status as great-grandchildren rather than grandchildren. However, as the grandchildren of the reigning monarch, they have now assumed these esteemed titles.

Prince Harry's arrival in Japan and possible return to the UK

On Tuesday, Prince Harry touched down at Haneda Airport in Japan, gearing up for the ISPS Sports Values Summit-Special Edition scheduled for August 9. Accompanying him was his friend and polo sensation, Ignacio "Nacho" Figueras, who is also involved in the summit.

Harry's airport attire was nothing short of impeccable! He donned a stylish polo shirt and a baseball cap adorned with the Archewell Foundation logo—a remarkable project initiated by him and Meghan.

Recent reports have also hinted at the possibility of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle contemplating a return to the UK and a potential reconnection with the British royal family.

While the notion of the once-distant royal couple returning may seem improbable, the report goes so far as to suggest that they are exploring the option of renting an apartment at Kensington Palace.