The mood in the UK does not seem to be on the side of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Harry and Meghan have once again become a topic of conversation among Britons tired of what many perceive as unwarranted privileges.
This time, the debate is ignited by the use of their royal titles, years after they stepped down from their official roles within the monarchy.
Could Harry and Meghan lose their royal titles?
It was all stoked when Harry, fresh from losing an appeal for state-funded security, spoke on the BBC about his family.
For some, that was the straw that broke the camel’s back. “Enough is enough,” said bluntly one citizen interviewed by The Post, fed up with watching the prince continue to seek institutional backing while disengaging from his royal duties.
Criticism is also aimed at Meghan. A note found inside a gift basket sent to a friend rekindled suspicions.
It was signed “With Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.” Although the message was sent a year ago and had no commercial purpose, its dissemination raised doubts.
Are they using their royal titles or not? Spokespersons close to the Duchess assure that there was no bad intention and that it was a private gesture. They insist that neither she nor Harry use the style of “His/Her Royal Highness” in public or for profit.
Despite that, outrage is growing. One longtime supporter of the couple confessed to feeling disappointed. He believes they have done everything possible to embarrass the royal family, just at a delicate time for King Charles.
“It’s constant attacks without any real consequences,” he said in reference to the couple’s projects, such as Harry’s autobiographical book, the docuseries on Netflix and the now famous interview with Oprah.
Polls confirm the estrangement. A recent poll revealed that only 36% of Britons believe Harry should keep his title. In contrast, support for King Charles remains much higher at 64%.
The root of the conflict dates back to 2020, when Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step away from royal life. At the time, Buckingham Palace was clear that they would stop using the “HRH” treatment.
Queen Elizabeth II, firm in her stance, rejected any attempt to maintain a hybrid status. “You work for the monarchy, the monarchy doesn’t work for you,” was her response to the Sussexes’ proposal.
Since then, their titles continue to be the subject of discussion.
There is no law forbidding them to use them, but there is an unspoken agreement that many now consider broken.