In a recent Daily Express poll, royal fans have overwhelmingly expressed their opinion that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, should be removed from the line of succession. The poll, which ran from 6am on June 23 to 3.30pm on June 24, received 5,316 votes. Of those, 5,032 voted in favor of removal, while only 245 voted against. An additional 39 respondents were undecided.
Current Positions in the Line of Succession
Archie, aged seven, and Lilibet, aged five, are currently sixth and seventh in line to the British throne, respectively. Their positions have remained unchanged since their births in 2019 and 2021. Archie was born in the United Kingdom, while Lilibet was born in the United States, after the family relocated to California. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been raising their children in the US, far from the royal family and their cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Public Sentiment and Reasons for Removal
Royal fans who participated in the poll cited the children's upbringing in the United States as a primary reason for their removal. One commenter stated: "They are being raised in the United States and have no real part in the monarchy. Same with Harry at this point. I see no reason why all three shouldn't be removed." Another added: "Of course they should be removed, they do not live in the UK." Some fans also called for Prince Harry himself to be removed from the line of succession.
Context and Background
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and moved to the US, where they have built a life away from the royal spotlight. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, are positioned after Prince William, the Prince of Wales, and his three children. The debate over their place in the monarchy continues to divide public opinion, with this poll indicating strong support for their removal.
