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Rishi Sunak’s Ultimatum: A Royal Showdown Over Sussex.com
In a dramatic twist in the ongoing saga of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued a bold ultimatum.
The couple must take down their unauthorized website, Sussex.com, within 24 hours or face legal repercussions.
This website, which debuted just this month, has ignited a firestorm of criticism from royal experts, commentators, and the general public alike.
Sunak, who made history as the first British Asian Prime Minister in October 2022, expressed his outrage over the Sussexes' use of their royal titles and coat of arms.
He pointed out that this move blatantly violates an agreement they made with the late Queen Elizabeth II back in 2020 when they opted to step back from royal duties and relocate to North America.
According to Sunak, the website is not only misleading but also disrespectful and damaging to the monarchy and the British populace.
The Prime Minister didn't hold back in his assessment, stating that the Sussexes have shown a “complete disregard” for royal traditions.
He accused them of exploiting their royal status for personal gain, asserting that they have no right to utilize their titles or insignia on a platform designed to promote their commercial interests.
Sunak emphasized that such actions are an affront to Her Majesty, who had graciously allowed them to retain their titles as a gesture of goodwill.
In a decisive move, Sunak instructed Attorney-General Suella Braverman to prepare legal action against the Sussexes should they ignore his demand.
He indicated that the government would pursue efforts to dismantle the website and recover any profits the couple may have accrued from it.
Furthermore, he hinted at the possibility of revoking their titles and citizenship if it becomes necessary to safeguard the integrity of the monarchy.
While the Sussexes have yet to formally respond to Sunak's statement, a spokesperson defended their website, claiming it serves as a comprehensive hub for their various initiatives, including the Archwell Foundation and Archwell Productions.
They characterized the site as a cultural and historical nod to their previous online presence, Sussex Royal, which was established in 2020 before redirecting to the new site.
However, the backlash against Sussex.com has been relentless.
Critics, including prominent royal watchers, accuse the couple of cashing in on their royal status and undermining the monarchy's reputation.
Questions surrounding the legality and ethics of the site have also arisen, particularly concerning its branding, which features the phrase “The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
Among the most vocal detractors is Piers Morgan, the former host of Good Morning Britain.
Morgan, known for his sharp criticism of Meghan Markle since her marriage to Prince Harry, labeled the website a “disgraceful” attempt to hijack the royal brand.
He argued that it represents a betrayal of the British people and a slap in the face to the Queen, who had extended kindness to the couple.
Morgan did not hold back, declaring that the Sussexes have no legal or moral claim to their titles or the coat of arms, which are bestowed by the sovereign.
He reiterated that the website stands in direct violation of the agreement reached with the Queen, which explicitly prohibited the use of their titles for commercial purposes.
As the clock ticks down on Sunak's ultimatum, the future of Sussex.com hangs in the balance.
Will the Sussexes comply with the Prime Minister's demands, or will they choose to defy authority once again?
The unfolding drama has reignited the controversy surrounding the couple, placing them at odds not only with the government but also with the monarchy itself.
This latest chapter in the Sussex saga underscores the deep divisions that have emerged since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties.
The stakes are high, and as the deadline looms, all eyes will be on how this royal showdown plays out.
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