Prince Harry i Meghan Markle are facing renewed criticism for their decision to retain royal titles for their children. Critics accuse the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of wanting the privileges of the monarchy despite distancing themselves from royal life and repeatedly criticizing the institution. The debate intensified after her private meeting with King Charles at Highgrove House, sparking fresh speculation about her future relationship with the British royal family and the formal status of her children.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s royal titles are once again at the center of public discussion following the Sussex family’s recent visit to Britain. Image credit (Instagram).
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s childhood royal titles spark new controversyAccording to RadarOnline, the couple may spend more time in the UK after their recent meeting with the 77-year-old monarch, reigniting the discussion about the continued use of royal styles for their children Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five. The Duke of Sussex, 41, and his actress ex-wife, 44, stepped down as members of the royal family in 2020 before moving to California, where they have built business careers through media and entertainment ventures.
Royal experts highlight the contradiction between the Sussexes’ criticism and the retention of the titles
The publication reported that observers are struggling to reconcile Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s public criticism of royal life with their determination to preserve royal styles for their children. “Many people are struggling to reconcile Harry and Meghan’s criticism of royal life with their determination to preserve royal styles for their children. This contradiction is fueling accusations of hypocrisy,” according to the media report.An additional comment suggested that the couple was trying to keep a foot in both worlds. “Supporters argue the titles are their children’s birthright, but critics believe the couple is trying to keep a foothold within the monarchy while continuing to publicly distance themselves,” the publication noted.
Critics accuse Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of seeking ‘best of both worlds’
TalkTV presenter Jeremy Kyle has accused the couple of sending mixed messages about their relationship with Britain and the royal family, arguing they “suddenly” wanted their children to have prince and princess titles. “It’s utter hypocrisy from both of them. And again, a bit like politicians, don’t they realize that the British public, the silent majority, have an opinion of them that frankly isn’t going to change?” he said to the air.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet continue to attract attention as the debate over their royal status re-emerges after the UK reunion. Image credit (Instagram).
Royal commentator Dickie Arbiter echoed Kyle’s assessment, stating that public attitudes remained firmly rooted against the couple. The arbitrator suggested that Harry and Meghan appeared to want “the best of both worlds”, maintaining royal connections and avoiding the institutional commitments that come with such status.
Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit royal life and moved to California
The Sussexes’ departure from royal responsibilities came after years of intense media scrutiny in Britain. After settling in California, they signed a number of high-profile business deals, including a podcast deal, while continuing to speak publicly about their experiences within the monarchy.During her widely viewed 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Markle revealed that real life had taken an emotional toll on her mental health. She revealed that she had found life within the royal family so difficult at times that she “didn’t want to be alive anymore”.In the same interview, Harry and Markle claimed that an unnamed member of the royal family had raised concerns about “how dark” their unborn son Archie’s skin might be. The claims made global headlines and intensified scrutiny of the monarchy’s treatment of the Duchess.Two years later, Harry rejected suggestions that he had personally described the royal family as racist, arguing that the characterization came from media coverage rather than his own words.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s private meeting with King Charles III has sparked fresh speculation about their future ties to Britain and the royal family. Image credit (Instagram).
King Charles’ meeting at Highgrove with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle fuels speculation about UK return
Harry, Markle, Archie and Lilibet met privately with King Charles at his Gloucestershire residence, Highgrove House, earlier this month in what observers saw as a potentially significant step in improving family relations. The meeting marked only the third meeting between Harry and his father since the King’s cancer diagnosis in 2024.Speculation has grown that the Sussexes are considering spending more time in Britain, with comments suggesting they could use a holiday property in Portugal as a base for visits while they maintain their lives in the US.