The ongoing debate about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's use of their royal titles has resurfaced, raising questions about their relationship with the monarchy while building a new life in the United States.
The Title That Won't Go Away
Despite their highly publicised departure from royal duties and relocation to Montecito, California, the couple remain deeply attached to their aristocratic honorifics. This was highlighted recently when Harper's Bazaar published a cover story on Meghan, where a curious detail caught the internet's attention. The magazine's writer noted that during an interview at a friend's luxury New York home, 'The house manager announces, 'Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,' even though we appear to be the only other two people in the house.'
This insistence on using the title seems at odds with the couple's separation from the institution that bestowed it. When asked in a 2023 interview with Anderson Cooper why they didn't renounce their titles, Prince Harry responded, 'What difference would that make?' Critics argue the difference is significant, particularly as they reside in a country without a monarchy.
Accolades Versus Accountability
The controversy extends beyond titles to the nature of their humanitarian work. The Harper's Bazaar profile revealed the couple were in New York to receive the Humanitarians of the Year award from a mental health not-for-profit organisation.
While acknowledging the couple has done good work raising awareness about important issues, many question whether they deserve such a prestigious title when countless underpaid humanitarian workers risk their lives in war zones. This pattern of seeking recognition without the traditional groundwork fuels criticism that the Sussexes want royal privileges without the responsibilities.
A Complicated Royal Legacy
It's important to acknowledge that Meghan received harsh treatment from both the royal family and the British press. However, as commentator Arwa Mahdawi notes, 'two things can be true at once' – one can recognise Meghan was treated poorly while also questioning the couple's apparent eagerness to enjoy the benefits of their status.
The fundamental issue remains: the Sussexes seem determined to author their own narrative, yet they continue to leverage titles and accept accolades that are intrinsically linked to the very system they've stepped away from, creating an ongoing public relations challenge.
