Harry and Meghan faced backlash for not recognising Sussex Day, despite holding titles that originate from the county

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again facing criticism and renewed calls for their royal titles to be stripped after failing to acknowledge Sussex Day on June 16.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were granted their titles by the late Queen Elizabeth II upon their 2018 wedding.

However, they did not make any public mention of the annual day celebrating the county from which their royal titles originate.

Sussex Day is marked each year to honour the region’s rich history, culture, and community spirit. It is celebrated with local festivities, music, dancing, and charitable events.
Harry and Meghan faced backlash for not recognising Sussex Day, despite holding titles that originate from the county. (Credit: SplashNews)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle criticised for missing Sussex Day

Critics have pointed out that the couple, who stepped down as working royals in 2020 and now reside in Montecito, California, have only visited the Sussex region once. This was a six-hour trip in 2018 during their short stint as working royals. Since then, their physical and symbolic connection to the county has grown increasingly distant.

Former Sussex MP Tim Loughton was among those who voiced frustration over the couple’s continued silence.

Speaking to MailOnline, Tim said it was “underwhelming, to say the least,” that Harry and Meghan have once again failed to acknowledge the county they’re named after.

He questioned whether the couple should continue to hold the titles if they show “no interest” in the area or its people.

“It is time we had a Duke of Sussex who has a genuine interest in our County. Wishing Sussex residents a happy Sussex Day is hardly a tall order,” Tim said. “They rarely visited Sussex even before they abandoned the UK for California. On our County Day, they have again shown no interest in Sussex.”

Fans grow upset

The sentiment echoed widely on social media. Royal supporters accused the couple of enjoying the benefits of their Duke and Duchess titles while ignoring the responsibility and heritage associated with them.

One user commented: “They don’t care about Sussex. They only want the titles and none of the responsibility that comes with it.”

Others, however, were more sympathetic, pointing out the double standard the couple frequently face.

“They would have been castigated if they had acknowledged the day as non-working royals, and castigated if they hadn’t,” one commenter wrote. “They can’t win.”

Meghan revealed that As Ever will be releasing their second batch of products this weekend. (Credit: SplashNews)

Why do Meghan and Harry keep Sussex to this day?

While the couple agreed through Megxit to stop using His and Her Royal Highness titles after they left The Firm, Sussex was a gift. As it was gifted to Harry and Meghan on their wedding day, it remains that way. They were not stripped of their Sussex name.

However, there have been calls for the pair to lose this as well as their HRH titles officially.

They are allowed to use HRH titles privately, but just can’t do so in a public or working manner.

Meghan was recently caught out for using her HRH title privately.