Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the British Royal Family more than three years ago, but on the Firm’s website, their position had remained virtually the same. This Tuesday 8 August, the Daily Express noted a discreet change concerning the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which is unlikely to help their relationship with the Crown…
A feather duster has been passed over the British Royal Family website. This Tuesday 8 August, just as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a shock departure from the ranks of the Crown more than three years ago, a major change was discreetly made on the Buckingham Palace website. As the Daily Express notes, the youngest son of King Charles III has been “bumped down” in the order of introductions to members of the Firm, at the same time as his title has been changed. No surprise, though, as at the time of the ‘Megxit’, the royals had made it clear that neither Harry nor his wife Meghan would be able to use their titles as Royal Highnesses after leaving their positions as senior members of the family.
But until now, the Institution’s website still referred to Harry as a Royal Highness. In fact, the Duke was referred to as such twice in his biography. The Daily Express pointed out the error to the Palace on 4 August, and staff at the parent company were quick to correct it. In addition, the position of his introduction page and that of his wife on the Royal Family homepage has been moved downwards. They are now at the very bottom of the list, behind those of the most discreet active members of the Firm: the Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Alexandra and the Duke of Kent.
Harry and Meghan just ahead of Prince Andrew
Side by side on the royal website, Harry and Meghan’s biography pages are just ahead of that of Prince Andrew, the other pariah of the family, placed in the very last position. Other errors had been reported by the Daily Express. Harry is no longer presented as the youngest son of the Prince of Wales, a title now held by his brother William. It now reads: “The Duke of Sussex, fifth in line to the throne, is the youngest son of the King and Diana, Princess of Wales”.
The pages of Clarence House and Kensington Palace have also been updated to reflect the new titles of the King and Queen, as well as those of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Prior to the change, which the British newspaper reported was made in haste on Saturday morning, the monarchs were still known as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, titles they stopped using after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September. Similarly, the Prince and Princess of Wales were known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The sections on the Royal Collection Trust, Royal Warrants and Royal Finances have also been amended.
Photos credits: Bestimage