Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could have their Duke and Duchess title ripped away as a Tory MP is set to introduce a bill to revoke their Sussex status - but what did Mirror readers think?
Bob Seely, Conservative MP for the Isle of Wight, said he would present a Private Member’s Bill to the House of Commons to get their royal status downgraded.
The legislation would allow a vote to amend the 1917 Titles Deprivation Act, which was used to strip the German royal family of their UK status during the First World War.
The duo retained their Sussex titles when they stepped down as senior royals in January 2020, despite losing their HRH styles.
Mr Seely, who has criticised the couple’s ‘Netflix narcissism’, accused Harry of attacking important British institutions as well as "trashing his family and monetising his misery for public consumption".
This comes as Prince Harry ’s tell-all memoir, Spare, contained a number of damaging revelations about senior members of the Royal Family - including claims that Prince William physically attacked him.
We asked Mirror readers if they think that Harry and Meghan should be stripped of their Sussex titles, and 95 percent of responses said ‘Yes’.
A total of 4,245 people voted in our poll, and around 4,025 respondents selected the option: “Yes - They have stepped down as senior royals.”
This opinion largely dominated the comments section, as one reader wrote: “Absolutely strip them of any connection to the Monarchy, it should've been done a long time ago.”
While another added: “Their honorary titles should be revoked! The late Queen Elizabeth bestowed the titles. When they resigned as "working royals" the Queen said they should/could not use their titles to make money. BUT they have, against her specifically instructing them not to.”
“100% take off them immediately. Please also do not invite them to coronation as this is not a family get together this is for the people of the UK and they do not want them there. This will be all about them and a total historic disaster for the Royal Family,” penned a third.
Some users suggested that it would be “honourable” for Harry to give up his title voluntarily, as a way to heal the rift within the family.
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A fourth reader wrote: “I would hope that Harry would do the honourable thing, thank and wish his father the best and respectfully decline to attend and give up his titles. I know chances of that slim to none besides if he did a divorce would be on the cards no doubt.”
While others highlighted that taking away their status could cause further damage: “Can you imagine though how much they can kick off if their titles are taken back? No one will be safe from their opinions or their version of memories.
"I don't know what the answer is but I'm not altogether sure that taking the titles away is it.”
Meanwhile, four percent of respondents voted ‘No’ in the poll, with the option: “They are still members of the Royal Family.”
Taking to the comments, one user voiced: “I believe Prince Harry & Prince Andrew should keep their titles. I admire them for their military service, and I am thinking of the children they leave behind, it would be horrible to have them live with such a legacy.”
A second said: “Oh dear, us 4% are in a minority. I haven't got to it yet, but apparently he opted for the half in, half out option in leaving Royal duties, so therefore should keep their titles. But a great poll.”
And another shared: “In answer to the question, no they should not be stripped of their titles.”
Only one percent of respondents selected the option “Other”.
Despite the fallout from Harry's memoir, 'Spare', he reportedly has "no regrets" about the many bombshell claims made within its pages.
Do you think Harry and Meghan should be stripped of their Sussex titles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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