Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have ‘given two fingers to monarchy’ after losing titles

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have given “two fingers” to the monarchy through their response after losing their titles, says a royal author.

The couple were stripped of their royal patronages a year after announcing their decision to step down as senior members of the Royal Family.

But their response, after Harry lost his honorary military roles sounded “hurt,” said royal writer Penny Junor.

Her comments come after reports the couple were stung by the phrasing of Buckingham Palace’s statement, which hinted the duo didn’t have time for a “life of public service”, according to ITV’s royal editor Chris Ship.

Royal writer Penny Junor said: “It sounds petulant. They sound disappointed and hurt and I can understand that.

“It’s sort of two fingers at the institution – the men and women that run it.

“I don’t think it would be to the Queen because I imagine they think the Queen is being advised, which she is.”

Ms Junor described the conclusion to Megxit as the final step in a troubled divorce proceedings, following on from Harry and Meghan quitting as senior working royals last year.

Buckingham Palace announced on Friday the couple would not return as working royals, and that it was not possible for them “to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service”.

Harry has lost his royal rugby patronages, Meghan her patronages of the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, as well as the couple’s roles with the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, reports The Mirror.

Harry will also no longer be Captain General of the Royal Marines, nor hold two other honorary military appointments.

Ms Junor said: “It does draw a line. It’s hurtful but every divorce is hurtful. This is the decree absolute.

“People lose things in a divorce. They lose pets, they lose houses, they lose children, and there was no way this was going to end well.”

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan had said in response to the Palace statement: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.

“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

Ms Junor said the conclusion to Megxit could act as a blueprint for future spares to the heir.

“I do think it’s very sad because we have now definitely lost Harry and Meghan – two very popular people who bought something more special,” she said.

“Harry and Meghan are obviously very upset, but I’m not quite sure what they expected.”