The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced criticism for accepting Prince and Princess titles for their children while continuing to criticise the Royal Family. Former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole labelled them ‘hypocrites’, stating they have painted the monarchy as ‘insufferable, unacceptable and unpleasant’ while insisting on honorific privileges.
Royal author Margaret Holder noted that Harry had previously said he would raise his children as private citizens, without royal roles or privileges. She described his reversal as ‘absurd’, adding that the couple now have four titled royals living in quasi-exile in Montecito, despite US law prohibiting titles of nobility.
Last week, the couple announced that their daughter Lilibet Diana had been christened by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, where she was referred to as Princess Lilibet Diana. Her brother Archie is also due to be styled as Prince. The titles were reportedly granted by King Charles after the Queen’s funeral, but Cole accused the couple of ‘jumping the gun’ by making them public.
Cole suggested the Sussexes are trading on their royal connections while launching attacks on Harry’s relatives, and warned they may outstay their welcome in the US, potentially becoming ‘museum objects’ like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
