Meghan Markle uses HRH title privately despite restrictions
2025-05-02 04:00- Meghan Markle used the HRH title on a gift card privately, according to sources.
- This usage occurred after Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as working royals in 2020, agreeing to restrictions on their royal titles.
- Experts suggest that such actions may exacerbate tensions within the royal family, particularly with Prince William.
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Insights
In early 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals and relocated to the United States, citing substantial media scrutiny and lack of support as reasons for their departure. Despite losing their official working royal status, they retained their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as they were bestowed upon Meghan by Queen Elizabeth II during their wedding in May 2018. However, a Buckingham Palace statement clarified that the couple agreed not to use the HRH titles publicly or for any commercial purposes, which is a significant aspect of their post-royal arrangement. Recently, it was discovered that Meghan used the HRH title on a personal card sent with a gift to Jamie Kern Lima, a US entrepreneur, indicating a possible breach of their agreement. The card was presented in a video for a podcast hosted by Lima, reflecting Meghan's intention to remain connected to her royal ties even while stating that her use of the title was in a personal, private context. Sources close to Harry and Meghan argued that using the HRH title in this manner does not violate the established agreement, positioning it as a distinction between private and public usage. This incident reignited discussions among royal experts about the implications of using royal titles, as Prince William, heir to the throne, has expressed frustration over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex potentially monetizing their royal connections, thereby prioritizing personal gain over respect for royal protocol. This sentiment echoes the public concerns voiced by political figures, advocating for a reconsideration of the Sussex titles, particularly in light of their non-working status. The ongoing discourse surrounding the Sussexes illustrates the complexities faced by former royals in maintaining their identities while adhering to the expectations tied to royal titles, leading to polarizing opinions within the royal family and the public alike.
Contexts
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have maintained a presence in the public eye since stepping back from their royal duties in early 2020. Their titles, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were bestowed upon them by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 during their wedding, and they remain the official titles despite their decision to step down from royal responsibilities. As they pursue their philanthropic endeavors and personal projects, including their production company, Archewell, the couple has often navigated a complex relationship with the British royal family and the media. Notably, they have also engaged in various charitable causes, particularly focusing on mental health, community support, and social justice issues, aiming to use their platform for positive change even outside the traditional royal framework. Following their departure from royal duties, there has been considerable public discourse regarding whether they should retain the titles of Duke and Duchess. While some members of the public and certain royal watchers have expressed concerns about the use of their titles, particularly as they embark on projects that may (in their view) conflict with the royal family's values, the couple has stated that they intend to keep their titles as a part of their identities. Officially, Buckingham Palace has not made any moves to revoke their titles, indicating a level of acceptance regarding their ongoing status within the royal family structure, albeit distanced from active royal engagement. Recent developments, including interviews, documentaries, and various public appearances, have provided insight into the couple's sentiments about their titles and past royal life. Harry's relationship with his family, especially with his brother William and father Charles, has been a subject of speculation and concern. Meghan, on her part, has highlighted the challenges of integrating into the royal family, discussing the impact of media scrutiny and public opinion on their lives. These narratives contribute to an ongoing discussion about the role and relevance of royal titles in modern society, particularly in a context that increasingly values personal authenticity and vulnerability. As of May 2025, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to live in California, USA, where they are raising their two children. Their titles as Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain intact, and they still hold a place in public consciousness as prominent figures within the conversation surrounding modern monarchy and celebrity culture. Their dual role as public figures and private individuals allows for an exploration of the tension between tradition and personal agency in the contemporary world. The ongoing status of their titles reflects not just their choices but also the evolving nature of the monarchy and its relationship with newer societal norms.
