Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have quietly been moved to the bottom of the official royal family website, signaling a decrease in their status and influence.
Since stepping back as senior royals in 2020 and relocating to the United States, the couple has faced controversy and criticism, including their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, legal battles with the British media, and outspoken views on political and social issues.
The royal family has attempted to maintain a dignified and respectful stance towards the couple, but reports suggest they have been hurt and disappointed by their actions, which they view as damaging and disrespectful to both the monarchy and the country.
As a result, the royal family’s website has undergone various changes to reflect the current situation and update information and images of its members.
One of the most noticeable alterations is the order in which the members of the royal family are presented on their dedicated page.
Previously, the order was not based on seniority or importance within the royal hierarchy.
However, the recent update now accurately reflects the hierarchy, with the king and queen at the top, followed by the prince and princess of Wales, who are next in line to the throne.
The working members of the royal family, such as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne, Princess Alexandra, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent, follow in descending order.
Significantly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been downgraded and placed at the bottom of the list, below non-working members of the royal family like the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Duke and Duchess of York, and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
This clear indication of their reduced role and relevance within the royal family can be seen as a subtle snub from the palace.
Furthermore, the couple’s profile pages on the website still contain errors and inaccuracies, suggesting a lack of effort to update or correct them.
Prince Harry’s profile incorrectly states that he and Meghan are splitting their time between the United Kingdom and North America while honoring their duties to the king, the commonwealth, and their patronages.
In reality, the couple has settled permanently in California and lost their royal patronages and military titles.
Similarly, Meghan’s profile still refers to her as Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex, despite her agreement to relinquish her HRH title as part of their exit deal with the palace.
The page also fails to mention her current projects, such as her book “The Bench” or her and Harry’s Archewell Foundation.
This neglect and indifference towards the couple’s profile pages contrast sharply with the attention given to other members of the royal family, whose pages have been updated with new pictures and information.
Princess Kate’s image, for example, shows her meeting the Windrush Cymru elders in Cardiff, while King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William’s images are all from around the time of the coronation.
The palace’s decision to downgrade and overlook Harry and Meghan’s pages on the royal website serves as a subtle yet powerful message to both the couple and the public that they are no longer integral parts of the royal family and must face the consequences of their choices.
It also reflects the palace’s desire to focus on core members who remain committed to their duties and responsibilities, aiming to avoid further controversy or drama caused by the couple.
The decision has elicited mixed reactions from the public and media.
Some praise the palace for taking a firm and sensible approach, arguing that Harry and Meghan deserve to be demoted and ignored due to their perceived disloyalty and ingratitude towards the royal family and the monarchy.
Others criticize the palace for its harsh and petty treatment, asserting that the couple has been unfairly marginalized and vilified by both the royal family and the media, emphasizing the need for respect.
In conclusion, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s demotion on the royal website signifies their diminished status within the royal family.
The changes made to the website highlight the palace’s attempt to prioritize core members and distance themselves from any further controversy caused by the couple.
While opinions on the matter differ, it is evident that the decision carries significant implications for both Harry and Meghan and the future of their relationship with the royal family.