Meghan and Harry 'flaunt titles' in new 'non-royal' family after quitting The Firm

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have established a new 'non-royal' family after leaving the Royal Family, despite still "flaunting their titles", according to a Royal expert.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were given their titles six years ago today when they tied the knot in a grand ceremony at Windsor Castle.

At the time, many were eager to see the fresh approach the glamorous couple would bring to the monarchy.

However, just over a year later, they dramatically resigned from their Royal duties for a life in California with their children, reports the Mirror.

Just last week, the Sussexes embarked on a 'non-royal tour' to Nigeria, where they were warmly welcomed.

Royal historian Dr Tessa Dunlop believes that six years after their Windsor wedding, the "Harry and Meghan train is still gathering speed".

Speaking to the Mirror, she said: " Never underestimate the power of love. No pending seven-year itch for them. They are too busy making new friends on royal (or rather non-royal) tours of Africa, enjoying pop-up appearances in St Pauls and at polo matches and hosting press conferences on subjects close to their hearts.

"Despite the best efforts of the naysayers, their marriage looks rock solid. Harry has a new Californian glow, and Meghan, ever the actress, is never far from his arm, the adoring wife of a dashing Duke."

"The couple's latest trip to Nigeria played to both their strengths, this was a team effort and we all know that marriage works best when both sides feel seen. Harry, ever the prince, glad-handed excited well-wishers and talked up the power of sport while Meghan, chic in African accessories, owned her 'role model status and referred to Nigeria as 'my country'. The Duke and Duchess were a smash-hit.

"Wayback when in 2020, 'half-in, half-out' was the Sussexes' request. 'No way' came the royal retort, so Harry and Meghan turned on their heels and left. By abandoning the British Royal Family, they bound themselves ever tighter to each other. Many predicted this co-dependence would be their downfall, which the Sussex brand would not sustain. How wrong they were."

"Miles from home, minus all that is familiar, Harry needs a turbo-charged Meghan by his side, and likewise Meghan, once upon a time a bit-part actress, has entered a new realm courtesy of her prince. Together they are stronger than the sum of their parts and they know it. It helps that beneath the choreography and posing there still appears to be a real spark."

Meanwhile, Tessa admits that for some in the UK, it might be a bittersweet pill to swallow to see the Sussexes enjoying success - but ultimately, their Royal status cannot be taken away.

She elaborated: "From a British perspective, this all feels somewhat bittersweet. After all, the Sussexes flaunt British titles, and their blockbuster wedding (including security), was largely funded by us, the British taxpayer. Yet as they globe-trot, the new 'non-royal' family, they are very much their own entity, no one is flying a Union flag. Ultimately that is their prerogative."

"Once a prince, always a prince, no one can take Harry's royal status away from him, nor can we deny the fairytale aspect of their romance. Like it or not, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are proof that true love can blossom outside palace walls."

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