Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's prominence on the royal family's official website has significantly diminished, with their detailed information pages being substantially condensed.
Despite stepping down as working Royals four years ago, the couple previously enjoyed extensive biographies on the website, similar to other senior members of the monarchy. Harry's page spanned over 2,600 words, while Meghan's comprised approximately 1,290 words, providing intricate insights into their early life, education, careers, and philanthropic endeavors.
However, these detailed sections have now been replaced by a single 650-word page titled "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex," redirecting interested parties to their dedicated website for further information. The couple previously had two separate pages, but the consolidated page now occupies a lower position on the Royal Family's website, positioned beneath sections for the Duke of Gloucester and Princess Alexandra, and only above Prince Andrew's page, the uncle of Prince Harry, who has faced controversy.
The introduction on the new section reads: "As announced in January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have stepped back as working members of the royal family. The couple married in St George's Chapel, Windsor, on the 19th of May 2018, and have two children, Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex." The website's restructuring reflects a shift in the narrative, emphasizing their reduced role within the royal family.
It signals a clear message that they are no longer integral to the institution, with Meghan's previous acting career highlighted as a focal point. The link to the Sussex's dedicated website serves as a testament to their independent endeavors, reinforcing their separation from the traditional royal duties.
Speculation arises regarding the palace's alleged efforts to exclude Harry, Archie, and Lilibet from the line of succession, as the succession page, once directly accessible on the royal family page, was quietly removed within a month after Archie and Lilibet were added. Royal family fans on social media express relief upon learning about the updates to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's pages on the royal family website.
The changes clarify their current status, addressing titles, security funding, and their decision to no longer fulfill royal duties or represent the crown. The website's revised layout reflects a pragmatic approach, with their page now positioned at the bottom, symbolizing their peripheral role within the institution.
Royal editor Emily Nash elaborated on the updates to the Sussex site, describing it as a "One-Stop shop" for their various endeavors, including Archewell Productions, their media production company, and Archewell Foundation, their charitable foundation. This comprehensive platform indicates their intention to pursue diverse projects beyond their previous royal responsibilities. The website's transformation represents a strategic shift for the couple, as they embark on a new chapter outside the traditional constraints of royal life.
