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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Rebecca Cook

Holly Willoughby says Prince Harry could have ditched titles for children amid outrage

This Morning host Holly Willoughby noted that Harry and Meghan could have chosen to do away with Royal titles for their children, after they announced the christening of their daughter in California.

Princess Lilibet Diana, who was born to Prince Harry and Meghan in June 2021, was christened at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ’s home on Friday.

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said: "I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3 by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor."

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's statement is the first time Harry and Meghan’s second child has been publicly called a princess and confirmed that Harry and Meghan will use the royal titles for their children.

This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield discussed the matter with journalists Tom Swarbrick and Anushka Asthana on Thursday morning.

Holly noted Princess Anne chose not to use the titles for her children (ITV)

Tom kicked off the conversation by asking what the problem was with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision, saying: “I see all the outrage. It’s literally a birthright.

“He can’t divorce himself from who his mum and dad are. He doesn’t want to be a working royal,” as host Phil then asked why he should have the title.

“Because he was born to the King and George V said the grandchildren of the son of the monarch get the title,” Tom replied.

Anushka disagreed with her fellow guest as she said: “I’m not going to lose sleep over it, but given that he got however many million pounds to sell his story to Netflix and write his book, I think, give up the title.”

Tom was baffled by the 'outrage' over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision (ITV)

Holly said ‘yes’ in apparent agreement to Anushka’s comment, as she then commented: “You can choose though.

“Princess Anne chose not to do it. She chose that for her children, so there is a choice there if you didn’t want to.”

Tom replied: “I think it would have been very churlish of the King to say no because of all the Netflix stuff. There’s so many bridges been burnt, we don’t need more bridges torched.”

The christening took place on Friday (PA)
Around 20 to 30 people were in attendance for the celebration (PA)

A spokesman for Harry and Meghan released a statement in response to questions over the titles, saying: “The children's titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became Monarch.

“This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace.”

Since releasing the christening announcement, Buckingham Palace has officially updated the Royal Family’s website to reflect the new titles, with Harry and Meghan’s children now listed as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.

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