A drastic change in Meghan Markle’s peerage
The whirlwind of controversy surrounding the former Hollywood actress and the rebel prince of British royalty does not seem to have an end. Meghan Markle, who along with her husband Harry, Duke of Sussex, has been at the center of a media storm since they decided to step back from their royal roles in 2020, could face a drastic change in her peerage . Are we about to meet ‘Princess Harry’?
A resignation that shook Buckingham Palace
The year 2020 will not only be remembered for the pandemic, but also for the explosive resignation of Prince Harry Meghan Markle from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family. They decided, in an unexpected twist, to leave behind their royal duties and move across the pond, seeking a more independent life in the United States. However, this move has not been without consequences and scandals.
A resignation that shook Buckingham Palace
By stepping down from their roles, Harry and Meghan also gave up their titles of ‘Her Royal Highness’ and stopped receiving public funds from the monarchy’s budget. Prince Harry also lost his prized military decorations and his role as Commonwealth Ambassador. However, the couple retained the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a generous gift from Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day on 18 May 2018. This title allowed them to maintain their private sponsorships of organizations and social projects they had supported before their resignation.
Criticism and resentment
The continued use of their noble titles has sparked criticism and resentment, particularly as the couple capitalize on this gift from the late monarch to sign lucrative contracts with entertainment giants such as Netflix and Spotify. However, since the said title was granted by Queen Elizabeth through marriage, only someone of her own position, in this case King Charles III, would have the authority to strip them of it.
The new Princess Harry: a controversial title
Now, the editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, Ingrid Seward, has dropped a media bombshell by suggesting that if King Charles III decided to strip them of their ducal titles, Meghan Markle would become ‘Princess Harry’. Yes, you read that right. According to British royal protocol, a prince’s wife can adopt the title of princess, but only if she uses her husband’s name. This means that if Meghan loses the title of Duchess of Sussex, she would automatically take on the title of ‘Princess Harry’, a change that could cause more than one headache in both the UK and the US.
Divided opinions
Ingrid Seward explained: ‘Harry will remain a blood prince and Meghan, instead of being the Duchess of Sussex, would be Princess Harry. Although it would be really confusing, at least for Americans. It will be best to leave it, it seems unnecessary. The Queen gave him the titles. The best thing is to leave them, ignore them and let them move on, which is what Palau and the royal family are doing.’ The couple, despite not being able to formally represent King Charles III, do not appear to be in imminent danger of losing their noble titles. Harry will remain a prince by birth and retains his position in the line of succession to the throne. However, the shadow of a possible change in their titles continues to cause a stir and keep the media and the public in suspense.