Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's titles could have a "question mark" hanging over them if they are seen to be "tarnishing" the monarchy, a royal expert has said.
The couple has given several interviews where they have criticised their royal relatives and the institution - especially in their bombshell chat with Oprah Winfre y last year. Now Harry's father Charles is King, Harry and Meghan's children Archie and Lilibet are entitled to be known as prince and princess as they are the grandchildren of the monarch. But according to royal author Katie Nicholl, if Harry and Meghan continue to speak out about their relatives, Charles could unleash his "ruthless side" leaving their titles as well as their children's in doubt.
She told GB News: "We know from their past ventures - looking at Oprah - that they're not afraid to be critical of the institution, that there have been some pretty low blows.
"But I'm hearing from my sources - and I think this might be at the root of it - that we could be prepared to see the King's ruthless side in all of this.
"Charles is not going to stand back and let the family or the institution, the reputation of the Crown, which is everything to him, be tarnished or indeed trashed, certainly not by members of the Royal Family."
When asked what the King's ruthless side is, Ms Nicholl added: "It's no coincidence that we haven't seen titles bestowed on Archie and Lilibet.
"I think that whole issue of titles is up for discussion. That trust, that respect has to be earned.
"I don't think they're going to get those titles if they're seen to be tarnishing the institution.
"And I think perhaps there might be a question mark over the future of Harry and Meghan's titles potentially if they are seen to be deliberately tarnishing the reputation of the monarchy."
The comments come as friends of the Sussexes have reportedly said that a Netflix documentary about them will air this year - despite other reports it has been delayed.
The streaming giant has faced backlash over the upcoming season of The Crown, while it has been reported the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wanted to make edits to their programme following the Queen’s death.
This prompted US website Deadline to say the expected December airing of the couple's documentary had been pushed back into next year.
“They’re rattled at Netflix, and they blinked first and decided to postpone the documentary,” a source told the outlet.
However, the Telegraph now reports that the documentary, which is yet untitled, will go ahead later this year as planned.
The Mirror approached the Sussexes for comment.
