The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has delivered a stern ultimatum to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, demanding the immediate removal of their unauthorized website, Sussex.com, within 24 hours or face legal repercussions.
The launch of the website earlier this month has triggered widespread condemnation from royal experts, commentators, and the general public.
This outrage stems from the unauthorized use of their royal titles and the coat of arms on the site, despite the couple stepping back from their royal duties four years ago.
Sunak, who made history as the first British Asian Prime Minister in October 2022 by defeating Liz Truss in a leadership contest, emphasized that the Sussexes’ website blatantly violates the agreement they made with the Queen in 2020 when they chose to relinquish their roles as senior royals and relocate to North America.
Describing the website as misleading, disrespectful, and detrimental to both the monarchy and the British populace, Sunak asserted that such behavior could no longer be tolerated.
In a strongly-worded statement, Sunak accused the Sussexes of demonstrating a blatant disregard for the traditions and values of the royal family.
He criticized them for exploiting their status for personal gain, asserting that they have no entitlement to utilize their titles or the coat of arms on a platform evidently crafted to advance their commercial and political objectives rather than serve the public interest.
Sunak further emphasized that this misuse of privileges is an affront to Her Majesty and the millions of loyal subjects who uphold the Crown and the Commonwealth.
Taking decisive action, Sunak disclosed that he had directed the Attorney General, Suella Braverman, to commence legal proceedings against the Sussexes should they fail to comply with his ultimatum.
The government aims to have the website promptly taken down and to seek restitution for any gains or damages the couple may have accrued from it.
Additionally, Sunak hinted at the possibility of revoking their titles and citizenship as a measure to safeguard the monarchy’s integrity.
Despite the mounting pressure, the Sussexes have yet to respond to Sunak’s statement.
Nonetheless, a spokesperson from their office expressed pride in the website, highlighting it as a comprehensive hub for their various endeavors, including the Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions.
The spokesperson underscored that the website serves as a cultural and historical homage to their previous platform, Sussex Royal, which initially announced their departure from the royal family and now redirects to Sussex.com.
Criticism towards the Sussexes’ website has been vociferous, with many observers accusing them of attempting to capitalize on their royal status while undermining the authority and reputation of the Queen and the royal institution.
Notably, Piers Morgan, a vocal critic of Meghan Markle since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, condemned the website as a disgraceful ploy to exploit the royal brand and rewrite history to suit their narrative.
Morgan lambasted the couple for what he deemed a betrayal of the Queen and the British people, advocating for their immediate deprivation of titles and citizenship.
As the deadline for Sunak’s ultimatum looms, speculation abounds over whether the Sussexes will comply with the directive or defy it.
The controversy surrounding their website has reignited long-standing debates and divisions since their departure from the royal family, placing them in direct opposition to the Prime Minister, the Queen, and the Parliament.
The unfolding saga underscores the complex interplay between personal privilege, public perception, and institutional accountability in the realm of royalty.