The Reason Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Royal Titles Might be Stripped

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry holding hands
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry holding hands

While every member of the royal family is beloved for one reason or another, many fans are particularly fond of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. That's at least in part because the two feel incredibly relatable, and are unafraid of sharing their personal vulnerabilities with the world in ways that many royals are not.

Even so, the couple is not universally popular. In fact, there's currently a petition going around that demands that both Prince Harry and his wife be stripped of their royal titles.

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These titles were given to Harry and Meghan following their marriage. Harry is currently Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. Because she's married to Harry, Meghan is the Duchess of Sussex. Queen Elizabeth II bestowed these titles, and as the reigning sovereign of England, she's the only one who can remove them.

Given these facts, it seems unlikely that the royal couple is in danger of actually losing their titles, but it's noteworthy that it's even a conversation.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle out together
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle out together

According to Mirror UK, the Brighton and Hove City Council plan to debate the matter. It was Charles Ross, a member of the Brighton and Hove City Council, that originally introduced the petition. In addition to removing Harry and Meghan's titles, the petition also bans them from performing any royal duties inside the city limits.

Some fans of the monarchy are appalled that the petition has been signed so many times. If it were to take effect, it would signal the weakness of the monarchy.

The petition has received over 3,700 signatures, which suggests that it has a fairly broad base of support. Even if it were to be adopted, though, it would not be in any way binding. The only entity capable of stripping Harry and Meghan's titles is the Queen herself, and she's unlikely to bend to the whims of political factions.

After all, the monarchy is founded on tradition and custom, and the Queen understands that better than anyone else in her country.

If Meghan and Harry were to be stripped of their titles, they would essentially revert to being simple commoners. Of course, they would still be the family of the Queen of England, which would likely afford them some privileges.

Given the fact that they haven't done anything terribly wrong, it's probably good that they aren't likely to be stripped of their titles. That kind of thing should be reserved as a punishment for those who truly deserve it inside the royal family.