Harry and Meghan should be 'stripped of their royal titles' for 'interfering in US elections', says Republican
Republican politician Jason Smith has demanded that Prince Harry and Meghan be "stripped of their royal titles" because they are "interfering in US elections". The Congressman from Missouri reportedly sent a letter he had drafted to the British Ambassador of the United States, Karen Pierce, on the issue on Friday afternoon, October 9.
Smith, in the letter obtained by Daily Mail, wrote: "As you know, the British Royal Family has long observed a policy of strict neutrality in regard to political matters. I am therefore concerned by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's recent comments regarding the United States Presidential Election, especially given international conversations surrounding foreign interference in our elections and the Duke's status as a guest of the United States."
Harry and Meghan, in a Time 100 video special last month, had addressed American voters, urging them to "reject hate speech, misinformation, and online negativity." The Duchess of Sussex, in the video, said that the 2020 presidential election is the "most important election of our lifetime," suggesting that a change of leadership was required. The former actress added "when we vote, our values are put into action and our voices are heard,” and that, “your voice is a reminder that you matter, because you do and you deserve to be heard.”
Harry, in the video, said: "When the bad outweighs the good, for many, whether we realize it or not, it erodes our ability to have compassion and our ability to put ourself in someone else's shoes.” He continued: "When one person buys into negativity online, the effects are felt exponentially. It's time to not only reflect, but act."
Smith, who wrote the letter in light of the royal couple's comment on the US election, insisted that by allowing the pair to continue speaking on the mater is to "condone interference in the election". He wrote: "It is my view the titles and privileges they retain by permission of Her Majesty the Queen, given with the advice and consent of her government, prevent the Duke and Duchess from separating comments made in a personal capacity from their official position within the British Royal Family."
"Therefore, by allowing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to retain their titles and these political comments to continue, the British Government is effectively condoning interference in the 2020 United States Presidential Election from officials at the highest level of the British establishment," Smith continued. He also gave an ultimatum for the couple, adding: "I respectfully request the British Government ensure The Duke and Duchess of Sussex no longer attempt to interfere in our election or be stripped of all titles, styles and privileges which they currently retain."
The Republican politician concluded the letter by requesting that the British ambassador conveys his "concerns" to both the UK government and the Queen. President Donald Trump had slammed the royal couple post their comments on the US election. Trump, while talking about Meghan, said: "I’m not a fan of hers. And I would say this – and she probably has heard that – but I wish a lot of luck to Harry because he's gonna need it."