Harry and Meghan face possible loss of royal family title

Couple have announced final engagements on behalf of UK royal family

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan could be banned from using the "Sussex Royal" label following their retreat from frontline family duties. AFP

The British royal family is discussing with Prince Harry and his wife Meghan their use of the word "royal" after they abruptly decided to start a new life in Canada.

The couple agreed last month with Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, that they would no longer work as royals after their announcement that they wanted to carve out "a progressive new role", which they hope to finance themselves.

"As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are stepping back as senior members of the royal family and will work towards financial independence, use of the word ‘royal’ in this context needed to be reviewed," a palace said. "Discussions are still ongoing."

Meanwhile, ITV's royal editor reported that the changes to the couple's status would come into effect from March 31.

Chris Ship said on Twitter that they would make public appearances in Britain before the deadline, including at the Royal Albert Hall and at Westminster Abbey in London.

Ship said Meghan would mark International Women's Day on March 8.

He said that from April 1 they would no longer have an office at Buckingham Palace, and that a decision on use of their "Sussex Royal" label would be announced when they launched a new non-profit organisation.

As things stand, Harry and Meghan use the brand extensively.

Their website is named sussexroyal.com and they applied to trademark the phrases Sussex Royal and Sussex Royal Foundation for use on books, stationery, clothing such as pyjamas and socks, charity campaigns and provision of training, sport and social care.

"As part of the process to transition, planning has been well under way around the launch of their new non-profit organisation," the royal source said.

"Details will be shared in due course."

Harry has spoken of his sadness at giving up his royal duties, saying there was no other option if he and Meghan were to seek an independent future away from media intrusion.

Under the arrangement, he will remain a prince and the couple will keep their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles as they begin a new life split between Britain and North America, where they will spend most of their time.