Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have been demoted, marking a significant change in their status within the royal hierarchy. The alteration was first noticed by Royal Editor Rebecca English and Eirian Jane Prosser. Previously, despite their decision to step down as senior working royals in January 2020, comprehensive profiles of the couple remained on the website alongside those of other members of the Royal Family.
Vanishing Profiles
However, the situation took a turn when the profiles of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle abruptly disappeared from the website. Shortly thereafter, they reappeared in a significantly diminished form, with a joint biography positioned at the bottom of the page, even below that of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.
Reduced Status
The joint biography, which is considerably shorter than their individual profiles, now simply states that the couple stepped back as working royals in January 2020. This marked reduction in their status is evident in the word count, which has decreased substantially to just 577 words. Notably, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are now the only married members of the Royal Family without individual profiles on the website.
Biographical Details
Previously, Prince Harry’s profile provided extensive details about his upbringing, education, military career, and charitable endeavors, including his work with the Invictus Games and various humanitarian causes. Similarly, Meghan Markle’s profile outlined her career as an actress, her philanthropic activities, and her role within the Royal Family. However, in their joint biography, these details have been condensed, offering only brief summaries of their respective backgrounds and royal engagements.
Buckingham Palace Response
While Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the specific changes, it emphasized that website content is regularly updated. A source attributed the merging of the couple’s profiles to a routine content update, citing a technical glitch that delayed the process. This explanation suggests that the demotion may have been unintentional or procedural rather than deliberate.
Royal Expert Opinions
The demotion of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle comes amidst speculation about their commercial endeavors and adherence to royal protocols. Critics, including Meghan’s biographer Tom Bower, argue that their latest business venture, American Riviera Orchard, exploits their royal titles for financial gain, potentially violating agreements made with the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Royal Family Dynamics
The changes on the Royal Family’s website reflect broader shifts within the monarchy, particularly under the reign of King Charles. The downsizing of the royal roster and adjustments in public engagements indicate a modernization effort aimed at streamlining operations and adapting to changing times. However, recent health issues affecting members of the royal family, including the King’s cancer diagnosis and Kate’s surgery, highlight the challenges of maintaining a scaled-down monarchy.
Speculation and Controversy
Meanwhile, rumors and conspiracy theories surrounding Kate’s absence from public life underscore the intense scrutiny faced by members of the royal family. Social media speculation and tabloid gossip have fueled unfounded claims about Kate’s health and marriage, prompting her to address the rumors directly. Despite the challenges, Kate’s recent public appearance signals a gradual return to official royal duties, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing controversies.
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