Interest in the British royal family remains high, with headlines often focusing on the evolving roles of its members. Recently, articles have circulated claiming that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been officially removed from the royal line of succession by King Charles III. However, there is no credible evidence or official statement supporting such a claim. As of this writing, Meghan Markle remains in the line of succession, though her role within the monarchy is non-working and ceremonial.
This article provides an accurate overview of the royal succession process, Meghan Markle’s current standing, and how constitutional monarchy functions regarding succession rights—based solely on verified sources and official documents.
What Is the Royal Line of Succession?
The line of succession refers to the legal order in which members of the royal family would ascend to the British throne. This order is determined by a combination of common law, statutory law, and constitutional precedent.
The most recent updates to the laws governing succession came with the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which:
- Ended male preference primogeniture, allowing birth order to take precedence regardless of gender.
- Removed disqualification based on marriage to a Roman Catholic.
- Provided greater clarity and modernization of royal inheritance protocols.
Sources:
- UK Parliament – Succession to the Crown Act 2013
- The Royal Family – Succession
Meghan Markle’s Place in the Succession
Meghan Markle, as the wife of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, does not hold a place in the line of succession herself, as only blood descendants of the royal line are included. However, her children, Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, are both legally in the line of succession.
As of 2025, the line is headed by Prince William, followed by his three children. Prince Harry remains fifth, and his children follow him.
There is no public record or official document indicating that King Charles III, or any other authority, has made any attempt to alter this legal line—nor would he have the unilateral power to do so without significant constitutional and parliamentary input.
Sources:
- BBC News – Line of Succession
- The Royal Family – Members
Separation from Royal Duties vs. Legal Succession
In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their roles as senior working royals. Their decision was finalized through discussions with Queen Elizabeth II, resulting in what was commonly referred to as the “Sandringham Agreement.” This arrangement:
- Allowed the couple to retain their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
- Removed their use of the HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) styling in official capacities.
- Separated them from receiving public funds via the Sovereign Grant.
However, their stepping back from royal duties did not affect their or their children’s legal place in the line of succession. The two matters—royal duty and succession—are legally and constitutionally separate.
Sources:
- BBC – Sussex Royal Exit Explained
- Royal.uk – Statement on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Public Speculation vs. Verified Information
Media reports that Meghan Markle has been “stripped” of her succession rights and is seeking “retaliation” are entirely unsubstantiated. No verified statements from the Duchess of Sussex, King Charles III, or the Palace have indicated any such development.
In contrast, Prince Harry and Meghan have focused their public efforts on charity work through the Archewell Foundation, addressing topics such as:
- Mental health
- Gender equity
- Digital safety
- Veteran support (through the Invictus Games)
Sources:
- Reuters – Sussex Activities
- Archewell Foundation
The Royal Family and the Law: Can Succession Be Altered?
Altering the line of succession is not a private matter for the monarch alone. Because the UK is a constitutional monarchy, changes to succession require parliamentary legislation—not a royal proclamation.
Any modification would also involve:
- The UK Parliament
- The governments of the 15 other Commonwealth Realms, including Canada and Australia
The last such legislative effort, the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, required extensive debate and coordination across these nations.
Therefore, the notion that King Charles could single-handedly remove individuals from the line of succession is factually incorrect and legally implausible.
Sources:
- The Guardian – Succession Laws
- UK Government – Commonwealth Realm Agreements
Meghan and the Media: A Broader Perspective
Since stepping back from royal duties, Meghan Markle has continued to draw media attention. Interviews with outlets such as Oprah Winfrey (CBS, 2021) and the couple’s Netflix docuseries (2022) have addressed tensions with the royal family. However, these accounts focus on personal experiences and advocacy, not legal challenges or constitutional changes.
No official source has stated or implied that the Duchess is involved in any legal or political effort to alter her family’s status. As of now, Meghan and Prince Harry reside in California, and their focus remains on philanthropic, media, and advocacy work.
Sources:
- CBS News – Oprah Interview with Harry and Meghan
- Netflix – Harry & Meghan Docuseries
Conclusion: Fact-Checking the Royal Record
In summary:
- Meghan Markle is not in the royal line of succession, as succession applies to blood relatives.
- Her children remain in the line, following their father, Prince Harry.
- There is no verified report or official documentation showing that King Charles III has altered the line of succession or removed any family member.
- The line of succession can only be changed by UK Parliament and in coordination with other Commonwealth realms.
- Speculative media narratives about retaliation or conflict are not based on official statements or legal developments.
As public interest in the royal family continues, it is crucial to rely on factual reporting from established sources and avoid unverified claims that misinform reader
