Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have once again found themselves at the center of fresh controversy — this time, over their continued use of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles while allegedly showing little to no interest in the county they are supposed to represent.
Former Sussex MP Tim Loughton has ignited a firestorm of criticism, accusing the royal couple of disrespecting their moniker and failing the very county that grants them their titles. Speaking to MailOnline, Loughton did not mince his words, blasting the couple’s ongoing detachment from Sussex.
“Yet again the interest of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the county from which they continue to use their title has been underwhelming to say the least,” Loughton declared. “It is time we had a Duke of Sussex who has a genuine interest in our County.”
Loughton went on to point out that even the simplest of gestures, like acknowledging Sussex Day, have gone ignored by Harry and Meghan. “Wishing Sussex residents a happy Sussex Day is hardly a tall order,” he added, frustrated by their apparent indifference.
This latest controversy has reignited the debate surrounding whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should be stripped of their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles altogether.
Many critics believe that their relocation to California, paired with their increasingly strained relationship with the Royal Family, has made their continued use of these prestigious titles both inappropriate and offensive.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex left their roles as senior working royals back in 2020 in what has come to be known as “Megxit.” Their departure followed intense media scrutiny and growing tensions within the Royal Family. Since then, the couple has remained in the spotlight, often using major media platforms to air their grievances against the monarchy.
In one of their most explosive interviews, the couple accused the Royal Family of racism, specifically concerning their first child, Prince Archie. The allegations shook the palace to its core, fueling public debates about the future of the monarchy and its relationship with the couple.
Since stepping away from their royal duties, Prince Harry and Meghan have settled into a new life in California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. While they’ve launched numerous business ventures, media projects, and charitable initiatives in the U.S., their actual connection to Sussex seems to have all but vanished.
Critics argue that using the Sussex title without engaging with or contributing to the region makes a mockery of its historic significance. “They rarely visited Sussex even before they abandoned the UK for California,” Loughton pointed out. “And on our County Day today they have again shown no interest in Sussex.”
For many in the UK, this disconnect is not only disappointing but increasingly unacceptable. Social media erupted with calls for King Charles to formally strip the couple of their titles. “Why should they be allowed to profit off a title they do nothing to honor?” one user fumed online.
The monarchy has so far remained silent on the issue, though debates about Harry and Meghan’s titles have periodically surfaced since their departure from royal duties.
Some royal insiders suggest that King Charles has been reluctant to escalate tensions further, especially with his ongoing health issues and other royal controversies consuming public attention.
However, pressure appears to be mounting. With growing public frustration in Sussex itself, the calls for action may soon become impossible to ignore. Stripping titles is not a decision taken lightly, but the Royal Family may soon be forced to address the growing dissatisfaction among their own subjects.
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to build their lives thousands of miles away, the battle over their royal titles could soon reach a boiling point — one that could have lasting implications for the monarchy and its strained relationship with the couple once dubbed “the future of the Royal Family.”
