Following their nuptials in May 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received the royal titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex from Queen Elizabeth II.
Since then, Harry and Markle have come under intense media attention. In 2020, they resigned from their top royal positions and relocated to Montecito, California.
The Duke and Duchess' royal titles have been demanded to be revoked in a number of internet petitions.
Meghan Markle awkward moment with ceremonial flowers
According to Royal expert Hilary Fordwich via Fox News, Meghan and Harry were "welcomed with open arms at the time" after their title appointing.
"We saw the royal wedding, we saw the outpouring from the public in support of them. She was welcomed with open arms at that time. Don't forget Prince Harry was one of the favorites. He's plummeted in the polls now but he was one of the Royal favorites."
Harry has come under media and public criticism since since the people's opinion of him decreased and internet petitions became more popular.
Following the couple's relocation to the United States, the Parallel Parliament submitted a petition with the following description:
"The title was given to them at marriage on the basis that they would be working royals serving the monarchy. As this is no longer the case, this title cannot be used for personal financial gain. It therefore has no purpose and must be removed."
What's next for Harry and Meghan?
After Markle and Harry decided to stand aside from their positions as senior royals, a petition was started online asking that the Duke and Duchess lose their titles so they "cannot be used for personal financial gain."
"There has been a petition, a movement from the people of the county of Sussex, they're supposed to represent, to remove them. Why? Because they're taking the name but they're not doing anything for the people of Sussex," added Forwich.
"This is a dilemma. This is not a celebrity role. It is a role of duty. So you need to do your duty, and then hold the title. Why would anybody want the title if they don't want to do their duty to the people of the county of Sussex? You either do or you don't. You can't have your cake and eat it too."
After Markle and Harry moved to the US in 2021, Buckingham Palace released a statement that said: "Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service."
"While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family," emphasized the statement.
In his first address as the head of state of the United Kingdom on Friday, King Charles III discussed the change-or lack thereof-in royal titles within the family.
Prince Charles expressed "love" for Harry and Meghan "as they continue to build their lives overseas" as Prince William and Kate Middleton were titled Prince and Princess of Wales. Harry and Meghan will continue to keep their royal titles "unless Parliament says otherwise."
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