Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they married in May 2018. The couple, who are now living in Santa Barbara, California with their 17-month-old son Archie Harrison, have stopped using the HRH (His and Her Royal Highnesses) styles since withdrawing from their royal jobs, but have so far been able to keep all their official titles.
But the Queen could be forced to remove the Sussexes’ titles.
Last month, Meghan and Harry spoke about the upcoming US election, due to take place on November 3.
The Duchess called the election the “most important election of our lifetime”, while Harry urged people to “reject hate speech”.
The Sussexes have since been accused of “interfering” in American politics.
READ MORE: Republicans demand Queen stops Meghan Markle ‘interfering’ in election
The Queen, as the British monarch, has the right to control who in her family gets, keeps or has to remove their titles.
However, the 94-year-old monarch acts on behalf of the Government, and if she was asked to strip her grandson and his wife of their titles, she would have to seriously consider the request.
The Queen cannot stop Harry being a Prince as this is a title he was born into and it is a fact under the rules of royalty in Britain that he is a Prince.
However, his other titles, as well as Meghan’s could be up for discussion.
Mr Smith sent a letter making the request to British Ambassador to the US, Karen Pierce.
He wrote: “As you know, the British Royal Family has long observed a policy of strict neutrality in regard to political matters.
“I am therefore concerned by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s recent comments regarding the United States Presidential Election, especially given international conversations surrounding foreign interference in our elections and the Duke’s status as a guest of the United State.
“It is my view the titles and privileges they retain by permission of Her Majesty the Queen, given with the advice and consent of her Government, prevent the Duke and Duchess from separating comments made in a personal capacity from their official position within the British Royal Family.”
The congressman said Harry and Meghan’s statements effectively means the Royal Family is interfering in the election.
He added: “Therefore, by allowing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to retain their titles, and these political comments to continue, the British Government is effectively condoning interference in the 2020 United States Presidential Election from officials at the highest level of the British establishment.
“I respectfully request the British Government ensure The Duke and Duchess of Sussex no longer attempt to interfere in our election or be stripped of all titles, styles, and privileges which they currently retain.
“I respectfully request you convey these concerns to both Her Majesty The Queen and to Her Majesty’s Government.”
