Understanding the Abolition of the HRH Title for Royals

The 1917 Letters Patent is a well-established directive that clearly defines the conditions under which members of the Royal Family may bear the style and title of His/Her Royal Highness (HRH). According to this document, the style and title are intrinsically linked. Therefore, if a royal loses the title of HRH, they also lose the corresponding style of royalty, such as Prince or Princess, prefixed to their Christian names or other titles of honor.

Many seem to believe that losing HRH is akin to a 'demotion,' but it's important to understand that HRH is not a job title. The decision to revoke the HRH title usually stems from the royal family's redefining of what constitutes a 'working royal.' This change in policy was enacted to reflect the evolution of the role and expectations placed upon the Royal Family members.

For instance, the decision not to continue the HRH titles for the Sussexes (Prince Harry and Meghan Markle) and for Prince Andrew reflects the fact that they are no longer considered 'working royals.' However, this rule was not applied to Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, who remain part of the royal duties, nor to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who are still actively engaged in royal functions.

It is crucial to differentiate between the style (HRH) and the title itself (Prince or Princess). The style is what changes when a royal loses HRH, but the title remains. Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne, continued to use the title Duke of Windsor but no longer used HRH in his new capacity, highlighting the distinction between style and title.

What does this mean for royals? If a royal loses their HRH style, they are no longer permitted to refer to themselves as HRH. It is important to note that this change does not impose any other significant consequences; it merely alters the way a person is referenced in public and official capacities. For example, Harry and Meghan still maintain their HRH titles for personal use but have chosen not to use them in their business roles.

The loss of the HRH style is often associated with a divorce. In the case of separated royals, the title is retained for personal use but may not be used in business or other public settings. As a result, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, who work outside the royal family, are formally referred to as 'Princess Beatrice' and 'Princess Eugenie' respectively, while they are also addressed as HRH when attending royal functions.

In summary, the removal of the HRH title is a significant stylistic change reflecting the changing roles and responsibilities within the Royal Family. It serves as a clear indication of a shift in the status of a royalty member within the family hierarchy. This practice highlights the evolving nature of the Royal Family and its adaptation to modern times.