The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's names on the Royal Family's website have been lowered ahead of King Charles III's reported plans for a 'slimmed down monarchy.'
- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's names have been lowered down on the Royal Family's official website page, amid reports that King Charles III is planning a 'slimmed down' monarchy following the Queen's death.
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's biographies now appear at the bottom of the page, next to details about Prince Andrew.
- In other royal news, Kate and William welcomed to Wales by determined royal fan in 'wholesome' moment.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been demoted on the Royal Family's website so that their names are now listed beside Prince Andrew, fuelling speculation that King Charles III is planning a 'slimmed down' monarchy following the Queen's death.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's biographies were once visible beneath those of the Prince and Princess of Wales, signifying their high-ranking place in the Firm as Prince William and Kate Middleton's go-to understudies.
This honorable status was scrapped in 2020, however, when they announced their withdrawal as senior royals and their controversial decision to emigrate to North America. The Sussexes' position on the website page was subsequently overtaken by Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex, who are largely considered to be two of the Royal Family's hardest working members.
In the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II's death, Harry and Meghan have been demoted to appear at the bottom of the page – next to the late monarch's disgraced son, Prince Andrew.
The shift comes amid reports that the King is planning a 'slimmed down' monarchy with his reign, which he hopes will save the taxpayer money and allow for a more efficient operation of royal duties. Charles III's coronation ceremony is also expected to be less expensive than Queen Elizabeth II's lavish crowning in 1953, which cost approximately £1.57m (£46m in today's money.)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in the UK for a whirlwind charity trip when news of the Queen's death broke on September 8. It's understood that the duke rushed to Balmoral Castle to see his beloved grandmother before she passed away, but was tragically unable to make it to the Scottish property in time.
The Sussexes extended their stay in England for the royal mourning period, joining Prince William and Kate Middleton on a walkabout at Windsor Castle two days after Her Majesty's death. They flew back to California one day after the Queen's funeral to reunite with their children, Archie, 3, and one-year-old Lilibet, after spending a full fortnight away from the young tots.
