In recent days, various reports have circulated on social media and unverified platforms claiming that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been “stripped of royal succession rights” or had her alleged request for inheritance from King Charles III denied. However, no reputable source or official royal statement supports these claims.
As of this writing, Meghan Markle remains listed in the royal line of succession, and there has been no confirmation from Buckingham Palace or other official channels that her position has changed. These assertions appear to stem from unverified speculation and should not be considered accurate without confirmation from credible news outlets.
Understanding Royal Succession: What Is Publicly Known
According to the Royal Family’s official website, the line of succession is determined based on descent, parliamentary statute, and common law. The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 governs current succession rules, including gender equality and the removal of disqualification for marrying a Roman Catholic.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is married to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, who is currently sixth in line to the throne as of May 2025. Their children, Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, also remain in the line of succession.
There is no legal mechanism by which King Charles III or any monarch can unilaterally “strip” an individual of their place in the line of succession. Any such change would require an Act of Parliament, which has not occurred, according to BBC News, The Guardian, and Reuters.
Clarifying the Role of Inheritance in the Royal Family
Inheritances in the royal family, like in any private family, are generally private matters. There is no public record of Meghan Markle requesting or being denied an inheritance from King Charles III. According to financial coverage by BBC, royal finances are structured around several funding sources:
- The Sovereign Grant, which supports official royal duties
- The Duchy of Cornwall, historically associated with the heir to the throne
- Private estates, such as Sandringham and Balmoral, owned personally by the monarch
These sources are governed by different legal frameworks and are not automatically tied to inheritance rights for family members who have stepped back from public roles.
Meghan Markle and Her Status Within the Royal Family
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior working royals. This was formalized through an agreement with Buckingham Palace known as the “Sandringham Summit”. According to official statements, while they no longer undertake royal duties, the couple retains their titles: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
As of May 2025:
- Meghan Markle retains the title Duchess of Sussex
- She is married to Prince Harry, who remains a member of the royal family
- Their children retain royal titles granted by birthright
There has been no official change to their legal or hereditary standing in the royal family since their transition to private life.
Conclusion: No Evidence of Succession Removal or Inheritance Conflict
Despite widespread rumors, there is no verified information confirming that Meghan Markle has been removed from the line of succession or that she made or was denied any inheritance claim involving King Charles III. These are speculative claims not supported by any official source.
Sources for Verified Royal News:
- The Royal Family Official Website – royal.uk
- BBC News – Royal Family Coverage
- Reuters UK – Royal Reports
- The Guardian – UK Monarchy
