The ongoing discussion surrounding whether Harry and Meghan should be stripped of their Duke and Duchess titles continues to captivate public interest and spark debate.
Conservative MP Bob Seeley’s proposed bill, which aims to utilize laws from World War I to remove their titles, has garnered attention and support from those who view it as a step in the right direction.
Mr. Seeley’s frustration, particularly citing the Endgame interview as a tipping point, reflects a sentiment shared by some who believe that Harry and Meghan have been mocking the British government.
In an op-ed for The Times, he advocated for them to become Mr. and Mrs. Sussex, like any other citizens, highlighting a desire for equality in title holding.
This opinion is echoed by others who argue that if Harry and Meghan are critical of the monarchy, it is inconsistent for them to retain titles associated with it.
The ongoing debate sheds light on the complex relationship between the couple and their royal connections, raising questions about the appropriateness of their continued use of these titles.
The discontent with Harry and Meghan, stemming from their actions since stepping back from official duties in 2020, has intensified due to a perceived pattern of attacks and disclosures about the royal family.
Their choices in making a living, particularly through public statements and revelations that some deem unnecessary, have fueled resentment among certain segments of the British population.
Many believe that Harry and Meghan are not living independently but rather relying on sensationalizing their royal connections, leading to calls on social media for the removal of their Duke and Duchess titles.
The mention of the Endgame interview appears to have been a turning point for many individuals who were previously tolerant or indifferent toward the couple.
However, the legal and procedural complexities surrounding the removal of titles, combined with the historical context of their bestowal by the late Queen, have led to the realization that King Charles, even if inclined, may not have the authority to strip Harry and Meghan of their titles.
These discussions highlight the intricate relationship between the royal family, the public, and the privileges associated with royal titles.
Royal experts express a consensus that King Charles is unlikely to strip Harry and Meghan of their titles, given that they were bestowed by Queen Elizabeth.
This reluctance stems from a sense of respect for the origin of the titles, despite the couple’s perceived lack of significant work on behalf of the monarchy.
Tom Quinn, author of Scandal of the Royal Palaces, weighs in on the debate, emphasizing that passing bills in Parliament to remove Harry and Meghan’s titles could potentially worsen an already challenging situation.
The concern is that such a move could provide the couple with additional grounds for complaint, further fueling their narrative.
While many may wish to see the titles stripped, even those who share this sentiment acknowledge the potential drawbacks and complications it might entail.
The complex dynamics between the royal family, the government, and public opinion add layers of intricacy to any potential decisions regarding Harry and Meghan’s titles.
They possess ample fabricated justifications already.
In this instance, it resembles offering a candy to an exceedingly complaining child in the supermarket.
You simply wish to silence them, so you provide the candy, despite knowing it’s not the right thing to do.
At least then, they have something to grasp, and perhaps it will put an end to their complaints.
I admit to having done this in the past, and you likely have as well.
So, if we interpret it this way, fine, maybe allowing them to retain those nonsensical titles is preferable, but it remains unethical.
The residents of Sussex particularly sympathize with this sentiment.
It is unimaginable to have people presume that Meghan and Harry somehow represent their place of origin.
According to Tom Quinn, intriguingly, it may not even be feasible for Parliament to revoke the titles.
He mentions that Parliament wouldn’t be permitted to enact laws eliminating Harry and Meghan’s titles.
These titles, lacking any political significance, are akin to honors bestowed by the royal family.
The government, specifically the English Parliament, lacks authority over the royal Victorian order, as it is a bestowed honor from the monarch.
It’s undoubtedly a vexing predicament, isn’t it?
We frequently hear that neither the King nor Parliament has the ability to intervene.
If neither the King nor Parliament can address it, then who can?
It seems like nobody can.
In my perspective, this is an issue that should be prevented from recurring.
I genuinely hope that a bill or some form of legislation could be enacted to empower someone to rescind those titles.
I acknowledge that it was a gesture from the late Queen, but she couldn’t have foreseen all the events, both preceding her passing and afterward.
She wasn’t aware of how Harry and Meghan would misuse those titles.
Despite recognizing it as a gift from her, I believe it’s unjust for them to persist in holding on to that gift.
Now, if the two of them weren’t such blatant hypocrites, Harry and Meghan would willingly relinquish those titles.
However, they’re unlikely to take such a step because, remember, that’s the one thing they believe links them back to the royal family and consequently secures their income.
Without the titles, they would simply be known as Mr. and Mrs. Mountbatten-Windsor, which doesn’t sound nearly as prestigious as Duke and Duchess, does it?
Regrettably, for those advocating the removal of titles, there is precedent, but it essentially allows someone to retain the title regardless of circumstances.
As Quinn highlights, Edward VIII abdicated the throne and did not lose his title, despite committing far worse actions than anything Harry has done.
It’s amusing how many parallels we can draw between Edward VIII and Harry.
Both fell under the influence of an American divorcee.
Both severed ties with their homeland, families, essentially everything that held significance to them before these American women entered their lives.
I’m fairly certain that both regretted the decisions to prioritize these divorcees over their families and duties.
It’s a pity that Harry wasn’t more interested in history during his school days; perhaps he could have gleaned lessons from this narrative.
Unfortunately, it seems he wasn’t paying much attention during that particular lesson.
Presently, Harry seems to be repeating the same errors, and I’m concerned he may find himself in a similar predicament, depressed and yearning for home, yet without the possibility of returning.
Tom Quinn also raises a valid point that revoking Harry and Meghan’s titles might elicit an undesirable response.
He emphasizes that such an action would be perceived as aggressive and final, essentially signaling a desire to sever all ties.
According to Quinn, it’s highly improbable.
Stripping them of their titles would convey an aggressive and definitive message, indicating a complete disassociation.
Based on observed behavior, the royals appear to be diplomatic, and it seems crucial to King Charles to consistently convey that the door is open for Harry, should he choose reconciliation and return.
Although reintegrating into the family wouldn’t be easy for Harry at this point, I believe King Charles is committed to ensuring there is a path for Harry to return, regardless of his current actions.
While retaining the titles might be acceptable, my greater concern lies with the line of succession.
Currently, Harry and the Invisible Children are still listed in the line of succession.
This implies that, technically, Harry, Archie, or Lilibet could ascend to the throne.
Such a scenario could potentially spell the end of the British monarchy, something nobody desires.
While removing titles might be challenging, my question is whether it is equally difficult to exclude someone from the line of succession.
I hope not, as the line of succession is a substantial and tangible aspect.
Unlike honorary titles, the line of succession holds significant weight.
It’s understandable if they decide to let them keep the titles, citing their lack of political significance as courtesy titles.