PRINCE Harry and his American girlfriend Meghan Markle could become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex if they marry.

Royal experts predict the Queen will revive the dormant dukedom if the fifth-in-line to the throne decides to tie the knot with the US actress.

It is not entirely clear what this will mean, although the couple will likely have a greater link to the county.

Since Prince William and Catherine Middleton became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge they have made several official visits and been linked to local charities and groups.

It is also predicted to provide a major tourism boost with overseas visitors expected to visit Sussex in their thousands.

There has only ever been one Duke of Sussex with the title dying out with Prince Augustus Frederick, the sixth son of King George III, in 1843. Meghan would become the first Duchess of Sussex.

Prince Frederick had a colourful life, marrying twice against the wishes of the establishment.

He met his first wife, Lady Augusta Murray, while travelling in Italy in1793. The King was furious and had him escorted back to London. But Prince Frederick took no notice and they married for a second time in Westminster without revealing their full identities.

The marriage was annulled by the Crown and the prince went on to have a number of mistresses before marrying his second wife in 1831.

But Lady Cecilia Letitia Buggin was judged to be of unequal social rank and was not received at court. She was also refused the tittle of Duchess of Sussex. As a result of his troublesome marriages none of his children where handed down his titles.

Royal expert Marlene Koenig said: “Sussex would be a good choice for Harry. The only one before him was a prince who married for love twice and did not care about the formality of his father’s marital law.”