Time Magazine has recently announced its shortlist for the highly anticipated Person of the Year 2023 award, and it has ignited a firestorm of debate among avid royal followers.

This prestigious accolade, which acknowledges the most influential individual or group of the year, has included Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, among the ten finalists.

However, noticeably absent from the list are their counterparts, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

This omission speaks volumes about the decline in popularity that Harry and Meghan have experienced over the past year, as they have faced intense scrutiny and backlash for their actions and public statements.

The couple, who made the decision to step down from their senior royal roles in 2020 and relocate to the United States, have been met with accusations of hypocrisy, disrespect, and dishonesty from numerous observers.

In addition, they have found themselves embroiled in various legal battles and controversies, including the publication of their explosive memoir, “Spare,” the release of their Netflix documentary series, “The Meet You Can’t See,” and allegations of bullying leveled against Meghan by former royal staff members.

On the contrary, William and Kate have garnered praise for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and service to both the monarchy and the nation.

As the future king and queen consort, they have admirably fulfilled their royal duties with grace and dignity, even in the face of the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic and the family rift.

Furthermore, they have actively supported numerous causes and initiatives, such as mental health advocacy, environmental conservation, and early childhood development.

The approval and admiration for William and Kate from both royal enthusiasts and experts stand in stark contrast to the disappointment and disdain expressed towards Harry and Meghan.

Some individuals have even gone so far as to suggest that the latter couple should be stripped of their royal titles and privileges, as they have seemingly done nothing but tarnish the reputation and unity of the monarchy.

Others have pointed out the irony and hypocrisy inherent in Harry and Meghan’s desire for privacy and freedom while continually seeking attention and publicity.

By including William and Kate on the Person of the Year 2023 shortlist and excluding Harry and Meghan, Time magazine has effectively reflected the prevailing public opinion and sentiment towards these two royal couples.

This decision underscores the fact that Harry and Meghan are not genuine icons, but rather self-serving and divisive figures who have distanced themselves from their family, their country, and their fans.

Conversely, William and Kate are authentic and respected leaders who have earned the trust and admiration of millions of people worldwide.

In addition to the royal contenders, another noteworthy nominee on Time magazine’s shortlist is Atlanta-Fulton County District Attorney Fannie Willis.

If granted this prestigious title, Willis and eight other prosecutors could grace the cover this year.

Willis and her colleagues made history by indicting former President Donald Trump, marking the first time a former U.S. President has faced prosecution.

The Fulton County Prosecutor’s Office spearheaded the groundbreaking August indictment of Trump and 18 others, alleging their involvement in an elaborate scheme to interfere with the Georgia 2020 election.

At present, four individuals have reached plea deals in connection to the case.

President Trump himself faces 13 charges in Fulton County and has pleaded not guilty.

It is worth noting that these charges against the former president include RICO (racketeering-influenced and corrupt organizations) charges in Georgia, along with over 90 felony charges across other cases in Florida, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Among the other candidates vying for the Person of the Year title are renowned singer Taylor Swift, Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, and the Hollywood SAG-AFTRA strikers.