Could Harry and Meghan Lose Their Titles Due To #Megxit?
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Royal Split Was a Bombshell For the Queen
While it seems that things have simmered down a bit with the royals after Meghan and Harry's huge announcement that they'd be stepping back from their duties, there's plenty of room for interpretation.
For example, it may be possible that the couple could lose their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, though past incidences similar to this have indicated it might not come to that.
Hasty Exit
It's barely been a week since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced on Instagram that they had other plans besides strictly serving the monarchy.
“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.
We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honor our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages."
They Needed Some Space
In their message, they explained that their decision to split their time between England and North America so that they could better raise their son as well as begin maintain their own existence.
"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity."
When the Queen made her statement in reply, it sounded as if she was willing to let Harry and Meghan take this new step. But one expert says the language in the Queen's statement could indicate their title could be removed.
Part of the Queen's statement read: “Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a royal family.”
The fact that the Queen didn't refer to them as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could be an indication, or just a hint, that the new family could lose their title, although when the news first came out, it was indicated no such thing would happen.
What's In a Title?
Page Six notes that in the past, the Queen would call them their actual royal titles. Daily Mirror Royals editor Russell Myers pointed out this new language.
“What is most remarkable about this statement, perhaps, is the Queen referring to them as ‘Harry and Meghan’ and not by their royal titles. Could be a big clue for the future,” Myers said.
Things Evened Out Back Then
Royal expert Robert Lacey said Harry and Meghan keeping their titles could be similar to when Harry VIII abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson. He gave up his right to the throne, but still remained the Duke Of Windsor.
It will be interesting to watch.
