Locals blast Meghan and Harry for 'rejecting title for Archie over bullying fears'

Residents of Dumbarton have slammed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for allegedly rejecting an Earl title for their son in the town's name.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly turned down the 'Earl of Dumbarton' honour for Archie as they are worried about potential bullying.

It has been said concerns were raises as the town's name contains the word "dumb".

Harry and Meghan were given the Earl and Countess of Dumbarton titles on their wedding day, meaning their son could inherit it.

But they have declined the opportunity, The Telegraph report, and the news has provoked anger north of the border.

A source said: "They didn’t like the idea of Archie being called the Earl of Dumbarton because it began with the word 'dumb' and they were worried about how that might look."

According to reports, the Sussexes rejected the Earl of Dumbarton as a potential royal title for Archie (SplashNews.com)

A second insider reportedly told the paper: "It wasn’t just Meghan who pointed out the potential pitfalls, it also bothered Harry."

Dumbarton Football Club took to twitter to poke fun at the situation but for locals, it is being treated like a kick in the teeth.

The area's Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said "there is no greater honour" than being named after the town.

But residents appear angry at the snub.

Local Ann Proudfoot, 63, told The Sun : “Not giving Archie the title is going to alienate them even more from Scotland. It’s an offence to everybody living here.”

Customer services worker Sophie Clifford, 24, told the publication: “I’m a big fan of Harry and Meghan, so this is so disappointing and hurtful.”

Local say they are angry at the snub (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Admin worker Deborah Jardine added: “They’re dumb themselves for not giving him the title for that ridiculous reason.”

Labour MSP Baillie has urged the Sussexes to reconsider.

She said: "Dumbarton is a wonderful place and the people of Dumbarton have always prided ourselves on being open and accepting.

“We welcome with open arms anyone who wishes to be associated with or call Dumbarton their home.

"If the rumours about Harry and Meghan are true, then I would encourage them to rethink their decision as I think there is no greater honour than being named after the town.”