A royal historian has come up with a solution for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to avoid criticism for continuing to use their titles, which were given to them following their wedding in 2018. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped down as senior royals and dropped their HRH titles in early 2020, and have since faced pressure to stop referring to themselves as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Instead of fully removing all trace of the Sussexes, Marlene Koenig, an internationally recognised expert on British and European royalty, has suggested an alternative moniker which may appeal to all parties, reports the Daily Express. Speaking to the publication, Marlene suggested that Meghan and Harry could just use 'Sussex' after their names.
The expert explained: "If you look at other members of the family or peers or heir to peerages; Beatrice and Eugenie do not use their titles in their jobs. On their work websites it's Beatrice York, Eugenie York.
Read more: Wimbledon 2022: Why Kate Middleton always wears the same accessory to The Championships
"Uncle Charles, Earl Spencer, he's written several books but doesn't use his title on his books: he uses Charles Spencer. The Earl of Harewood, whose father was the Queen's first cousin, was a producer, he used Lascelles, the family name as his title.
"So, I think they should step away from using their titles, they should just use Meghan Sussex, Harry Sussex. There is so much precedent for that, especially in the US.
"I'm not denigrating them at all. I just think it would lessen the tension if they didn't use the titles, to say, 'Hey, we're just gonna use, in the credits, Meghan Sussex, Harry Sussex', there's nothing wrong with that."
In April, the Daily Express carried out a poll asking readers whether or not Meghan and Harry should be allowed to keep their titles. After 8,842 people cast their votes, a whopping 96 per cent of voters (8,466 people) voted 'yes', they should be stripped of their Duke of Sussex and Duchess of Sussex titles.
Only three per cent of voters (304 people) said no, whilst one percent of voters (72 people) did not know. Earlier this week, Meghan and Harry were spotted visiting Oprah Winfrey at her mansion, leading the public to wonder whether another tell-all inteview could be on the cards.
It has been reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent an hour at the TV legend's home, which is just five minutes away from their own Californian base by car. However, neither Oprah or the Sussexes have confirmed whether another follow-up to last year's interview is on its way.
Let us know what you think of this story by logging in and leaving a comment down below.
Click here for more TV and celebrity news.
Taylor Swift's new 'fiance' Joe Alwyn went to Bristol University
Style icon Kate Middleton's three fashion hacks that are 'incredibly flattering'
Love Island: Fans hope Gemma Owen's head is turned at Casa Amor
Glastonbury Festival: Paul McCartney 'saved' woman after she collapsed during his set
Drew Barrymore discusses Bristol wedding speech writer's business on talk show
