King Charles could strip Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their titles if their memoir and Netflix show are deemed too damaging to The Firm, according to a royal expert.
Royal author Tom Bower also claimed that the monarch could extend the title ban to the couple's two children, Archie, 3, and Lilibet, 1.
Harry's memoir Spare is due to be released on January 10, with publisher Penguin Random House saying the 38-year-old's book is to be full of "insight" and "revelation" told with "raw, unflinching honesty".
Read More : Woman pushed to ground and handbag robbed as brave witnesses tackle thief
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex - who stepped back from royal life and moved to Montecito, California, in 2020 - are also set to release a Netflix documentary in the coming months.
However, reports suggest that it has been delayed by the streaming giant following the backlash over the upcoming season of The Crown.
Royal author Tom, who has been in conversation with dozens of courtiers and family associates in the last two years, spoke of the fragile relations between senior royals following the Queen's funeral in London in September.
He revealed Charles had tried to "diffuse" the situation rather than simply strip them of their titles.
Tom, author of royal books Rebel Prince and Revenge, told The Megyn Kelly Show : "He has made various threats to Meghan and Harry and warned that them if they go ahead, they will find themselves ostracised in a way they cannot believe. And so they are worried."
He added: "First of all, I do not think their children will get titles if they go ahead and slander the Royal Family.
"But they have also got to consider their own titles. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex could be taken away by Charles if they misbehave.
"That is something Meghan and Harry are very worried about because after all, although she pours dirt on the royal family the whole time, whenever she introduces herself, she says: 'I am Meghan, Duchess Of Sussex'."
The Royal Family are said to be "preparing themselves" for any potential bombshells that come out in Harry's autobiography - which is being published just four months before King Charles' official coronation.
Tom said Harry is moving "full steam ahead with the memoir" after a tense London trip for the Queen's funeral.
He added: "In the end, they left Britain after the Queen's funeral feeling as angry as ever, if not more.
"Because they had been excluded from various events, especially a reception for the heads of states, (Harry) not been allowed to wear his uniform, and there was no reconciliation between them and Kate and William.
"The Sussexes released a photo of themselves to media, hours after The King unveiled his snaps with William and Kate.
"This was the resumption of hostilities from Montecito to the Royal Family."
READ NEXT:
- Stop condensation on windows with four houseplants that can control moisture naturally
- Irish restaurant hits out at ‘false and exaggerated’ review as it shares mortifying CCTV evidence
- Doorbell footage showing young boys' good deed on Halloween leaves people 'in tears'
- Best free streaming sites in Ireland as thousands cancel Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime
- 'Irish women make four big mistakes with fashion' - Designer Paul Costelloe shares his thoughts
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
