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King Charles III Enacts Major Changes for Sussexes Following Final Legislation Signing
This week has been monumental for the British royal family, particularly for King Charles III and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The king has officially signed the last pieces of legislation that confirm his sovereignty, marking a significant transition since the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September.
But this development also brings about some noteworthy changes for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Let's dive into what's unfolded.
On Monday, King Charles put pen to paper on a bill that solidifies his role as the head of state, fully assuming all sovereign duties and responsibilities.
This signing not only confirms Charles's kingship but also activates his reign under British law.
The event was a private affair, attended by a select group of aides, and although Charles refrained from making any public statements, sources indicate he is relieved to have completed this final formality after a period of mourning.
However, this legislative milestone triggered significant shifts in the royal family's hierarchy.
Most notably, it resulted in the removal of the “His” and “Her Royal Highness” titles from Prince Harry and Meghan.
The couple, who stepped back from their roles as senior royals in 2020, will now be referred to simply as Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
They can no longer use the HRH designation in any official capacity.
This change, agreed upon when Harry and Meghan decided to step down from royal duties, had initially been postponed out of respect for Queen Elizabeth.
With Charles now fully in charge, the clause that strips Harry and Meghan of their HRH titles has taken effect.
Some insiders suggest that the king had little choice but to enforce this change following the formalization of his reign.
Understandably, the couple has expressed their discontent regarding the loss of their esteemed titles.
Their spokesperson stated that while they respect the decision, they find it hurtful.
The couple believes that maintaining ties with the monarchy is important, despite their departure from frontline royal duties.
This reaction has reignited discussions among royal experts, who remind us that Harry and Meghan were made aware in 2020 that shedding their HRH titles would be an inevitable consequence of stepping back.
Their current pushback appears to reopen old wounds at a time when the monarchy is eager to move past family divisions.
Sources close to King Charles reveal that he is open to mending fences with his son, but actions like Harry and Meghan's response complicate matters.
Adding to the tension, it was announced this week that the couple must repay £2.8 million in public funds used for renovating Frogmore Cottage, their UK residence.
Though they were allowed to continue living at Frogmore when in Britain, the couple's cessation of official duties raised questions about the fairness of using taxpayer money for their private residence.
Consequently, the Crown Estate has mandated repayment of the costs incurred during the renovations, which are believed to have been settled promptly by the Sussexes, thanks to their lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify.
Experts believe this situation adds a layer of public accountability pressure on Harry and Meghan, who appear to want to enjoy taxpayer-funded benefits without the accompanying responsibilities.
King Charles's recent actions signal a clear intention to streamline the monarchy and focus on core members actively engaged in royal duties.
These developments paint a picture of a monarchy in transition, with King Charles aiming to redefine its future.
The removal of Harry and Meghan's HRH titles formalizes their exit from royal life, indicating a shift towards a more streamlined institution.
The question remains: how will these changes impact the relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family moving forward?