The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are facing a potential threat to their titles as the British Parliament mulls over a new legislative proposal.
Conservative MP Bob Seeley is gearing up to introduce a private members bill to the House of Commons that could lead to the revocation of the couple’s titles, as reported by the Express UK.
Despite being bestowed with their titles by Queen Elizabeth II nearly five years ago, the Parliament holds the authority to strip titles granted by the reigning monarch, independent of the monarchy itself.
In a move that has stirred significant controversy, the couple had their HRH status removed when they transitioned away from senior royal duties back in 2020; however, they retained their Duke and Duchess titles.
Royal expert Jonathan Sacrodotti disclosed to Fox News on February 23 that Seeley is determined to put forth a private members bill to modify the 1917 Titles Deprivation Act, a law previously utilized to strip the German royal family of their UK titles during World War I. Sacrodotti highlighted Seeley’s strong opposition to the couple’s actions, emphasizing his intent to employ the same legislation to strip their titles.
Recent polling conducted by the Daily Express unveiled that a staggering 96% of its readers favor the motion to revoke the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
This overwhelming support has only added fuel to the fire surrounding the couple’s departure from their royal roles.
Their decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to the United States has been under intense media scrutiny, with their public appearances and interviews garnering substantial attention.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not shied away from criticizing the monarchy and the British media, leading to a strained relationship with the press.
Both have voiced grievances about the intrusive and biased coverage they have endured.
They have also spoken out about the challenges they faced as senior royals, including the unrelenting public scrutiny and the pressure to conform to traditional royal norms.
Amidst the ongoing controversy, supporters of the Duke and Duchess argue that the couple has made significant charitable contributions and raised awareness on crucial issues.
Conversely, critics claim that they have disrespected the monarchy and brought shame upon the royal family.
The proposed bill has ignited a fierce debate within the British Parliament, with lawmakers questioning the legality and morality of stripping the couple’s titles.
Despite the contentious discussions in Parliament, the resounding backing from both the public and the media indicates that the storm surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex shows no signs of dissipating soon.
As the debate rages on, the couple remains firmly in the spotlight, with their future hanging in the balance.