Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again facing calls to be stripped of their royal titles after a perceived insensitive move during a recent appearance in Jamaica.
Despite stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, the couple occasionally references their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, even though they are not permitted to use their HRH titles. The controversy arose as they attended the film premiere for "Bob Marley: One Love" in Jamaica, a move criticized as insensitive given Prince Charles's upcoming surgery and Jamaica's discussions about potentially severing ties with the British Monarchy.
Renowned royal expert Phil Dampier expressed his views in The Daily Mail, highlighting the apparent insensitivity of the Sussexes' appearance in Jamaica, especially at a time when Prince Charles is undergoing medical procedures, and Jamaica contemplates its relationship with the monarchy. The premiere, attended by Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife, has intensified calls for Harry and Meghan to relinquish their titles, particularly in light of Prime Minister Holness's expressed desire for Jamaica to become a republic.
Jamaica's sentiment toward the British Monarchy has shifted, with Queen Elizabeth II receiving affection and respect, whereas King Charles III faces skepticism, according to antim monarchist Hugh Small QC. The discussion around stripping the couple's titles gained traction after the fallout from Omed Sco's book "Endgame" and its potential implications involving the Sussexes.
Adding to the complexity, the royal family is currently grappling with health concerns, as both the Princess of Wales and King Charles are facing issues. King Charles's upcoming surgery for an enlarged prostate has raised questions about the line of succession and potential roles for family members during his recovery. Although Prince Harry is technically still a royal counselor of State, his involvement has been limited, as a statement from the Royal household confirmed that only working members of the royal family would be called upon to act as councilors of state during such times.
Despite the Monarch's planned hospitalization, councilors of state, including Prince Harry, will not be required to step into senior roles on King Charles's behalf, as confirmed by Royal correspondent Kiny Scoffield. This underscores the intricacies of the royal dynamics and the limited number of senior Royals deemed suitable to assume such responsibilities during this challenging period.
