Royal feud deepens as future of Sussex titles remains uncertain
The once-close bond between Prince William and Prince Harry appears to have reached a breaking point, with royal expert Jennie Bond suggesting that reconciliation is unlikely — even in the long term.
Following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s departure from royal duties in 2020 and their subsequent move to California, the brothers have remained largely estranged, with only minimal contact despite several key royal events.
“William may remain estranged from his brother forever,” Bond told The Mirror.
“Even though this would be a very sad state of affairs, I believe he now sees Harry as irrelevant to his life and to this country.”
Speculation about what might happen when William becomes king has continued to grow, including whether the Sussexes could be stripped of their royal titles. While the King has authority to make certain changes, Bond clarified that removing peerages — such as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — would require an act of Parliament, making it both politically and practically complex.
Bond warned that such a move could prove divisive and damaging to the monarchy’s image, particularly in the United States, where Harry and Meghan have built a media presence strongly tied to their royal identity.
“Harry and Meghan would be hurt and angry,” she explained.
“They seem wedded to the idea that their children should use their royal titles, and title loss could reduce their standing — especially in the eyes of the American public, who seem to adore royalty.”
Meghan Markle, though no longer using the HRH style officially, continues to be widely identified as the Duchess of Sussex. The couple’s brand — and much of their public appeal — is closely tied to their royal roots.
While Bond does not believe that removing titles is imminent, the emotional distance between the brothers appears more significant than ever.
With William preparing for his future as king and Harry continuing to carve out a separate life in the U.S., the idea of a royal reunion seems increasingly remote — and their once-unbreakable relationship may, in fact, be permanently fractured.
