Meghan Markle’s relentless pursuit of global fame as a princess has sparked criticism, with political commentator Calvin Robinson slamming the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for persistently leveraging their royal titles.
Robinson expressed shock at the couple’s ongoing use of their titles, especially in light of their political affiliations and business ventures.
He emphasized the need for the royal family to intervene, asserting that if Meghan and Harry continue down this path of political engagement and commercialization, their titles should be revoked to uphold the integrity of the monarchy on a global scale.
Following their decision to step back from official royal duties in early 2020, Meghan and Harry agreed to retain their titles formally while relinquishing their HRH titles.
However, recent polls conducted by the Sunday Express indicate that a significant portion of the public believes the couple should refrain from exploiting their royal titles for personal gain or political advocacy.
A staggering 73% of respondents in the UK and 59% in the US expressed disapproval of the couple using their titles for business or political purposes.
The debate over whether Meghan and Harry should retain their titles has divided opinions among the public, particularly in the UK.
Nearly half of respondents in the UK advocate for stripping the couple of their titles, contrasting with a third of US respondents who share the sentiment.
The controversy surrounding Meghan escalated when she utilized her royal title to endorse paid parental leave in a letter to Congress, prompting further scrutiny of her political involvement.
In her impassioned plea for comprehensive paid leave, Meghan emphasized the importance of supporting families and communities through accessible and stigma-free policies.
Despite facing backlash for her political activism, the Duchess defended her advocacy as a humanitarian imperative, citing her commitment to championing social causes even before attaining royal status.
However, critics argue that her use of the royal title in political lobbying blurs the boundaries of royal protocol and raises questions about her motives.
Bucking tradition, Meghan engaged in direct calls to US senators to advocate for paid parental leave, a move that drew skepticism from palace insiders who cautioned against using royal titles in political contexts.
The palace aide underscored the distinction between raising awareness on issues like mental health and actively aligning with specific policies, cautioning against overstepping the boundaries of royal neutrality in political matters.
The aide emphasized that Meghan’s advocacy should not grant her undue influence in American politics beyond that of any other citizen.
As the controversy surrounding Meghan’s political activism continues to unfold, the clash between her royal status and her advocacy efforts underscores the complexities of navigating public expectations and personal convictions.
While Meghan remains steadfast in her belief in using her platform for social change, critics question the appropriateness of leveraging royal titles for political purposes.
The ongoing debate serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between individual agency and institutional responsibilities within the realm of royalty.