King Charles has taken firm action over royal honours and titles in several cases, as debate continues over whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could face consequences over their own royal status.
The question has resurfaced following the Sussexes’ Nottingham appearance and renewed attention surrounding Harry’s interview during the Omani state visit, with some royal commentators questioning whether the couple’s actions could further strain relations with the monarch.
Some critics have argued that Harry and Meghan have shown disrespect towards the King, while others have called for a clearer decision about their titles. However, no confirmed announcement has established that Charles intends to remove the Sussexes’ titles.
While speculation over Harry and Meghan continues, the King has faced other difficult decisions involving royal honours and members of his own family.
One prominent example concerns Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, whose association with Jeffrey Epstein brought sustained public scrutiny. Charles moved to remove his brother from his royal residence and strip him of royal titles and honours, amid the wider controversy.
The King has also expressed support for the legal process in matters involving his family, with the principle that the law must take its course becoming an important part of the public discussion.
Charles’s approach to honours has extended beyond the Royal Family, with several people losing distinctions following criminal convictions.
Earlier this year, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s knighthood was removed after his conviction in a case involving historical sexual offences against children. He was sentenced this month, according to the supplied report.
Seven other individuals have also reportedly lost honours following criminal convictions, including Charles Montegriffo, who lost his MBE, and Ian Hudson, who was stripped of his OBE.
The other four named in the report were Ian Ashbolt, Lloyd Hamilton, Paul Rose and Graham Trewhella.
The decisions have renewed discussion about the responsibilities attached to receiving an honour and whether those distinctions should remain in place after serious criminal wrongdoing.
Oxfordshire councillor Liam Walker defended the removals, arguing that honours must retain their meaning and reflect the standards expected of their recipients.
“Honours are awarded to recognise outstanding service and achievement, and anyone convicted of serious criminal offences has forfeited the privilege of holding them,” Walker said.
He added that removing honours helps protect the integrity and value of the system, reflecting concerns that prestigious distinctions should not remain untouched when serious convictions undermine the basis on which they were awarded.
For Harry and Meghan, however, the situation remains different: despite continuing debate about their titles, there has been no confirmed decision by Charles to strip them of their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles. The question of whether the King will take any further action remains unresolved.
