Prince Harry is doing the right and honourable thing by giving up his title
NO Royal has ever paid back money — as Harry and Meghan are doing with Frogmore Cottage.
It is absolutely unprecedented.
There was a furore about the amount spent, although money had to be spent as it was almost derelict. But not necessarily £2.4million.
So Harry is doing the right and honourable thing.
The title HRH is an automatic one for someone with Royal blood.
Even when Edward VIII abdicated he dropped from being His Majesty The King to HRH the Duke of Windsor.
Diana, Princess of Wales and Sarah Ferguson lost theirs because their courtesy titles were obtained through marriage. They were not born royal. But what is also notable is that it won’t stop the Americans using the title if they wish to.
When Edward married Wallis Simpson she didn’t get an HRH yet she was still sometimes referred to in America as HRH.
I’m not saying it will happen on this occasion but it is possible as it sits quite nicely with Duke and Duchess.
Harry is not using his HRH because it would be a conflict of interest should he decide to embark on commercial enterprises.
Harry knows full well that it is wrong to trade on your name.
MOST READ IN OPINION
I don’t think not using it will have an impact. It didn’t affect Diana’s global appeal one bit. And Fergie had less of a profile but still made money.
The Queen is pragmatic. She will be sad, too. She is very sensitive to Harry and his needs. She was there for him and William when their mother was killed in the car crash.
She understands and she wants the best for her grandson, his wife and her great-grandson.
She has come to an accord that works for both sides and that is what is important to her.
