The very highest levels of the Royal Family discussed reducing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to simply Mr and Mrs Mountbatten-Windsor, a new book has claimed.
It has long been suggested the couple should be stripped of their titles since they quit their duties and uprooted for a new life in California.
Among those who agree are Mirror readers who recently voted in their thousands in a poll to say the Sussexes should be stripped of their titles.
New book Our King: Charles III by Robert Jobson, reveals the option has been talked about at length by the upper echelons of the family.
A serialisation in the Mail reads : “King Charles is understood to 'not to be in favour' of axing Harry's royal title and has 'enduring love for his son', despite having made the decision that Meghan should not accompany Harry to Balmoral when the family gathered after the Queen died.
“The idea of stripping Harry of his Duke of Sussex title has been discussed at the highest level.
“The King is said not to be in favour, but other senior Royals are less indulgent. Ultimately, despite Charles's enduring love for his son, he will come under increasing pressure if Harry continues to attack the monarchy.”
In 2021 the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be stripped of their honorary military appointments and royal patronages when they told the Queen they will not be returning to life as working royals.
The monarch forced the pair to sever all official links with The Firm after they decided to renounce their duties and step away from public service for good.
They included Harry's honorary military appointments, such as Captain General of the Royal Marines he took over from his grandfather Prince Philip after he held the role for 64 years.
He also lost the patronage of the National Theatre the Queen gifted to former actress Meghan in 2019 after holding it for 45 years.
A statement by Buckingham Palace said they are "saddened by their decision" but said Meghan and Harry "remain much loved members of the family."
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.
"The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.
"While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family."
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said: "As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.
"We can all live a life of service. Service is universal."
