London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Apr 08, 2026

Harry and Meghan: Strip Duke and Duchess of Sussex of titles, say Tory MPs

Harry and Meghan: Strip Duke and Duchess of Sussex of titles, say Tory MPs

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex should be stripped of their titles over their tell-all Netflix documentary, two Conservative MPs have said.

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely accused them of "trashing" the monarchy, whilst former minister Tim Loughton said it was "time to take the titles".

The series sees Harry question the Royal Family's reaction to racist press coverage of his wife.

He also said there is a "huge level of unconscious bias" in the family.
The series -

the first three episodes of which were released on Thursday - has provoked a strong reaction among some Conservative politicians.

On Thursday, government minister Guy Opperman urged the public to "boycott" the series, branding the couple "utterly irrelevant to this country".

Speaking on the BBC's Question Time, he added: "I don't think it has a fundamental impact on the Royal Family, I certainly won't be watching it."

Now some of his colleagues have gone further, suggesting the couple should lose their royal titles.

Mr Seely has suggested he wants to bring forward legislation in the new year to set up a Commons vote on the issue.

The move - through a private member's bill - is destined to fail because the government has already said it will not support it. The mechanism is regularly used by MPs to make political points.


'Lacking respect'


Mr Seely said there is a "political issue" with Harry's comments, since he quit as a senior working royal in March 2020 to live in California with Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

He asked why Prince Harry continues to use his title of Duke of Sussex, while "at the same time trashes the institution of monarchy and his family".

Former children's minister Mr Loughton, who represents East Worthing and Shoreham in Sussex, tweeted: "I am ashamed that this deeply embarrassing couple bear the title of our great county.

"It is time to take the title back from someone so clearly lacking any respect."

Tim Loughton also thinks Harry and Meghan should lose their titles


In the Netflix series, which includes sit-down interviews with the couple and their friends, Prince Harry was asked about the Royal Family's response to racist news articles written about Meghan.

"The direction from the Palace was don't say anything," says Harry.

"So it was almost like a rite of passage, and some of the members of the family were like 'my wife had to go through that, so why should your girlfriend be treated any differently?

"I said 'the difference here is the race element'."

Buckingham Palace has not yet responded to the claims.

He also said there is a "huge level of unconscious bias" in the Royal Family, adding: "It is actually no one's fault. But once it has been pointed out, or identified within yourself you then need to make it right."

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
UK Denies Visa to Kanye West After Sponsors Withdraw from Wireless Festival
Trump-Era Forest Service Restructuring Leads to Closure of UK Lab Focused on Kentucky Woodland Health
Foreign Students in the UK Describe Harsh Living Conditions and Financial Pressures
Reform UK Proposes Visa Restrictions on Nations Pursuing Reparations Claims
Public Reaction Divides Over UK Decision to Bar Kanye West
Calls Grow for UK to Review US Base Access Following Concerns Over Escalating Rhetoric
UK Indicates It Will Not Permit Use of Its Bases for Potential US Strikes on Iran’s Energy Infrastructure
UK Prime Minister Defends Decision to Bar Kanye West, Questions Festival Booking
UK Accelerates Efforts to Harmonise Medical Technology Rules with United States
Wireless Festival Cancelled After Kanye West Denied Entry to the United Kingdom
Australia’s most decorated living soldier was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged with five counts of war-crime murder for the killing of unarmed Afghan civilians
The CIA’s Secret Technology That Can Find You by Your Heartbeat Successfully Locates Downed Airman
Operation Europe: Trump Deploys Vance to Hungary to Save the EU
King Charles Faces Criticism From Some UK Christians Over Absence of Easter Message
Former UK Defence Secretary Raises Concerns Over Ability to Counter Iran Missile Threat
UK Signals Non-Involvement in Iran Conflict as Trump Reasserts Firm Deterrence Stance
US and UK Strengthen Medical Device Cooperation Following Tariff Removal
Trump Backs Steve Hilton for California Governor, Highlighting Reform Agenda
UK Seeks Closer Ties With Anthropic as AI Policy Divergence Emerges Across Atlantic
Experts Warn of Evolving Extremism After Teens Arrested in UK Ambulance Arson Case
UK Convenes Talks to Safeguard Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz After Conflict Escalation
Trump Highlights Strong Leadership in Critique of UK Stance on Iran
UK Authorities Review Kanye West’s Entry Status Following Festival Backlash
UK Considers Deploying Aircraft Carrier for US Independence Day Celebrations Amid Renewed Transatlantic Focus
United Kingdom Moves to Attract AI Firm Anthropic Amid Tensions with US Defense Officials
RAF Intercepts Iranian Drones in Middle East to Defend Allied Security Interests
Labour Signals Shift on Foie Gras and Fur Restrictions to Advance EU Trade Talks
Seven Arrested Near RAF Base as UK Authorities Respond to Protest Activity
Economic Pressures Mount as Analysts Warn UK Growth Is Being Constrained by Policy Burdens
UK Green Party’s Push for Church-State Separation Sparks Debate Over National Identity
Strategic Island Emerges as Growing Challenge for United States and United Kingdom Defense Planning
Pepsi Pulls Sponsorship from UK Festival Following Backlash Linked to Kanye West
Signs Emerge of Declining Enthusiasm for Social Media in the United Kingdom
Security Alert Raised Ahead of Meghan Markle’s Planned Visit to Australia
UK Food Halls Defy Hospitality Slowdown, Emerging as Bright Spot in Challenging Market
UK Sets Firm Conditions for Military Action, Insisting on Legal Mandate and Clear Strategy
UK Medicines Regulator Launches Probe into Peptide Clinics Over Health Claims
New North Sea Drilling Unlikely to Significantly Cut UK Gas Imports, Analysis Finds
Woman Linked to UK’s First All-Female Terror Plot Faces Deportation
Downed US Aircraft Over Iran Linked to Operations from UK Airfield
Two Men and Teen Detained in UK Following Attack on Jewish Charity Ambulance
UK Police Launch Inquiry After Firearms Left Unattended Outside Mayor’s Residence
Giuffre Family Calls on King Charles to Meet Epstein Survivors During US Visit
Amber Wind Warning Issued as Storm Dave Approaches Parts of the United Kingdom
Prince Harry and Meghan’s Australia Visit Set to Draw Heightened Global Attention
UK Considers Entry Fees for Overseas Visitors at Major Museums Ahead of 2026 Travel Season
UK Prime Minister and Kuwait Crown Prince Coordinate Security Response After Regional Escalation
Calls Grow to Expand Fully Paid Maternity Leave for UK Teachers Amid Workforce Pressures
UK Secures Tariff-Free Access to US Market in Landmark Pharmaceuticals Agreement
Trump Projects Strength in Critique of UK Leadership and Naval Readiness
×