Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again come under scrutiny for their use of royal titles, with an expert suggesting that they should be stripped of their remaining privileges.
Despite stepping down as senior royals in 2020, the couple still occasionally refer to themselves as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a decision that has raised eyebrows.
Sarah Vine, in her column for the Daily Mail, argues that their recent trip to Jamaica is evidence enough to warrant the removal of all their titles.
Vine asserts that the Duke and Duchess’ choice to associate themselves with a staunchly anti-monarchy company during their trip sends a clear signal to the palace.
According to Vine, this move suggests that the couple intends to exploit their royal connection to undermine the reputation of both individual members of the royal family and the institution as a whole.
She expresses her hope that she is mistaken in her interpretation but believes that the couple’s actions contribute to the growing anti-monarchy sentiment within the Commonwealth and beyond.
The premiere of the documentary “Bob Marley, One Love,” attended by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, also saw the presence of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife.
Holness, a long-time critic of Jamaica’s relationship with the monarchy, has announced plans for a referendum on the monarchy by 2025.
Vine highlights this gathering as further evidence of the couple’s alignment with anti-monarchy sentiments, suggesting that their actions would disappoint the late Queen, who championed forgiveness and understanding within the Commonwealth.
Vine concludes her column by proposing that King Charles should take decisive action and strip Harry and Meghan of all their titles.
She argues that this would grant the couple the freedom they claim to desire and alleviate the burden of their royal responsibilities.
It is worth noting that aside from their HRH titles, Prince Harry has already relinquished his military titles and no longer wears his military uniform in public.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step down from royal duties in January 2020.
Following a brief period of transition, the couple relocated to the United States with their son Archie.
In 2021, they welcomed their second child, Lilibet.
Although Archie was not granted a title upon his birth in 2019, the ascension of King Charles ensured that both he and Lilibet now hold the titles of Prince and Princess.
The debate surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s use of their royal titles continues to provoke discussion and criticism.
As they navigate their new life away from the constraints of the monarchy, their actions and choices remain under constant scrutiny.
It remains to be seen how this ongoing controversy will impact their relationship with the royal family and the institution itself.