Six years ago, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle surprised the world by announcing their decision to step back from their royal duties and move to the United States for financial independence. Despite this move in January 2020, they still retain their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, bestowed upon them by the late Queen during their 2018 wedding. Questions have arisen as to why they have not been stripped of these titles, especially as they no longer carry out royal responsibilities.
Since leaving their royal roles, the couple has made various allegations against their royal family members through interviews, a Netflix docuseries, and Harry’s controversial memoir. Reports suggest that discussions have taken place within the Royal Family about potentially removing their titles.
During an interview with Anderson Cooper in early 2023, Harry defended their decision to keep their titles, stating that relinquishing them would not make a difference, given the treatment they have faced. Following their decision to step back from royal duties, Harry also lost his automatic entitlement to armed police protection in the UK, which has been a point of contention as they prepare to return to Britain for an upcoming trip.
Despite the upcoming visit, Harry’s request for police protection has reportedly been denied, and a review by the Risk Management Board on his security requirements is pending. This trip will coincide with the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham, an event largely funded by taxpayers.
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