Prince William 'enraged' as Meghan, Harry 'exploit' King Charles: Report

Prince William is prepared to take a hard line against Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s continued use of their royal titles despite stepping down from their royal duties.

In a report published by The Daily Beast on April 29, a formal royal courtier claims the Prince of Wales is determined to revoke the couple’s “His/Her Royal Highness” (HRH) titles once he ascends the throne.

The tension reportedly escalated after Meghan used her HRH styling in a signed note accompanying a gift basket for podcast host Jamie Kern Lima.

“Charles might be happy to put up with this, but William won’t,” the source claimed. “He loathes and despises Harry and Meghan with every bone in his body.”

The gift, which read “With the Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex,” was featured on Kern Lima’s April 28 podcast and, according to critics, violated the couple’s 2020 agreement with the late Queen Elizabeth II. That agreement stated they would no longer use their HRH titles in any capacity after stepping down from royal duties in 2020.

The future king reportedly believes Harry and Meghan “have betrayed everything the family stands for and the idea that they are using their royal status as a calling card will enrage him.”

Meghan’s team has pushed back, insisting the title was used in a personal context. “While they do not publicly use ‘HRH,’ this was a personal gift, and their titles remain,” a source close to Meghan told Daily Beast.

But not everyone is buying that defense. The ex courtier called it “rubbish,” claiming the couple agreed never to use their HRH styling “at all.”

“King William will not stand for this,” the insider declared, noting that Harry and Meghan are exploiting King Charles’ kindness. “Meghan causing her HRH exposes how weak and enfeebled he is. She knows he won’t do anything…The titles will simply be removed when [William] is king. A way will be found.” 

RELATED: Prince Harry set to honour key royal after Meghan's dig at his family