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Harry and Meghan Under Fire: New Demands to Revoke Their Royal Titles
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again in the spotlight, facing renewed demands for the revocation of their royal titles following what many have deemed an inappropriate public appearance in Jamaica.
The couple, who stepped back from their royal duties in early 2020 and relocated to the United States, have been under scrutiny for their actions since their departure, and this latest incident has reignited the debate over their status.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the premiere of the film “Bob Marley: One Love” in Jamaica, a trip that reportedly did not include their two young children, Archie and Lilibet.
While attending a film premiere may seem harmless in isolation, critics have pointed out the timing and location of their appearance as particularly tone-deaf.
Royal commentator Phil Dampier expressed his concerns in the Daily Mail, noting that with King Charles III undergoing surgery and Jamaica contemplating its relationship with the monarchy, the Sussexes' visit felt out of touch.
Jamaica's Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, and his wife were present at the event, lending weight to the ongoing discussions about the country's ties to the British crown.
Holness has previously indicated that he hopes Jamaica will move toward independence from the monarchy, with a referendum on the horizon later this year.
This backdrop makes Harry and Meghan's presence even more controversial.
Since their exit from royal life, the couple has faced a barrage of criticism, with calls for them to be stripped of their titles growing louder.
Although they no longer perform royal duties, they still occasionally refer to themselves as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which has not sat well with many royal watchers and commentators.
The sentiment is that if they wish to distance themselves from royal obligations, they should also relinquish the titles that come with those responsibilities.
The backlash against the couple is not entirely new.
Over the past four years, there have been multiple instances where their actions have drawn ire from the public and royal observers alike.
Whether it's their candid discussions about royal life or their high-profile media deals, many feel that Harry and Meghan have crossed lines that should remain intact for former royals.
Adding fuel to the fire is the release of Omid Scobie's book “Endgame,” which has further complicated the couple's standing with the monarchy.
Some believe that their involvement in such projects undermines the dignity traditionally associated with royal titles.