In a bold move that could reshape the royal landscape, UK Member of Parliament Bob Seely is set to introduce a bill aimed at stripping Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of their royal titles.
Seely argues that this drastic measure is necessary, claiming that the couple’s actions have tarnished the institution they once represented.
With the proposal imminent, we delve into the details of Seely’s plan, examining the reasons behind it and the potential consequences for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Harry and Meghan’s royal titles are under scrutiny by the UK Parliament
Bob Seely, a Conservative MP, believes the time has come for what he calls the “nuclear option”: removing the royal titles of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
His proposed amendment seeks to use existing legislation used during World War I to strip the Sussexes of their British titles.
Seely argues that the couple’s actions, especially following the publication of Omid Scobie’s book Endgame, justify such a drastic measure.
The Dutch version of “Endgame” named the Princess of Wales and King Charles III as the royals mentioned by Meghan in relation to comments about Prince Archie’s possible skin tone.
The controversial revelation, though later described as a “mistake” by the Dutch editor, has added fuel to the fire to the ongoing feud between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
Seely, in an article for The Mail on Sunday, expressed his intention to introduce a bill in Parliament to strip Meghan and Harry of their royal titles.
While stressing his support for the monarchy, Seely argues that individuals who no longer wish to be part of the royal institution should not retain titles and privileges, especially if their actions negatively impact the nation’s perception of the monarchy.
However, the success of such bills introduced by MPs is historically difficult unless they gain the support of the government.
Currently, there is no indication that the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, will support this proposal. However, the unpredictability of the British government, driven by recent unexpected diplomatic incidents, adds an element of uncertainty to the situation.
Seely’s proposed amendment to the Deprivation of Titles Act 1917 seeks to allow Parliament to advise the Privy Council to strip a member of the Royal Family of his or her titles.
Seely is based on the belief that if an individual no longer wishes to be part of the royal institution, he or she must relinquish the associated titles and privileges.
Meghan is accused of collaborating with Omid Scobie
Omid Scobie, the author of “Endgame,” maintains that Meghan was not interviewed directly for the book.
He claims to have discovered the names mentioned in the book through letters exchanged between Charles and Meghan following her interview with Oprah Winfrey.
The revelation about concerns regarding Archie’s skin color has reignited the debate surrounding racism within the royal family.
It is worth noting that Queen Elizabeth II stripped Harry and Meghan of honorary royal titles and patronages in February 2021. However, they retained their titles of duke and duchess, which are aristocratic and not dependent on their status as active royals.
As the debate over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal titles intensifies, Bob Seely’s proposed bill adds a new layer of complexity to an already strained relationship between the Sussexes and the monarchy.