When Prince Harry and his wife, Suits actress Meghan Markle announced last January that they were stepping down as senior members of the Royal Family, there were firm of retaining their Sussex Royal branding.
If you can recall, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have sought for a global trademark for the Sussex Royal brand in December last year. It included items like clothing, stationery, and even other initiatives that the royal couple has in line for their future.
In their application, a lot of classes were listed including footwear, pyjamas, greeting cards, and magazines. Aside from that, the application for Sussex Royal trademark also included education, charitable fundraising and management, and social care services.
To date, Harry and Meghan have launched their own website with the Sussex Royal brand and continue to use the same name for their social media accounts. As the two are trying to build their brand now that they are trying to be more financially independent, a twist of plot has emerged.
Okay. So the trademark application is still under review, which means Meghan and Harry may and may not be given exclusive rights to use Sussex Royal. But they have already spent thousands of pounds for sussexroyal.com so it seems that they are pretty confident about getting their trademark approved.
While the application is still pending, the biggest blow to their Sussex Royal dreams has occurred. It has been reported that Her Highness Queen Elizabeth II has forbidden the couple to use the brand name.
Uh-oh! Looks like there’s big trouble for Meghan and Harry.
Although the Sussexes can retain their HRH titles, the idea of them being part-time royals who are openly venturing into various opportunities outside the Palace does not sit well with the Queen. According to a reliable source, if both Harry and Meghan “… aren’t carrying out official duties and are now seeking other commercial opportunities, they simply cannot be allowed to market themselves as royals.”
Oh, we didn’t see that coming. Or did we?
As reported in the Telegraph, the Queen wanted to review the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s use of the word royal. Discussions are still ongoing. While it will be the Queen’s last word that will ultimately decide on the fate of the Sussexes and their brand, many insiders say that Prince William was also consulted, along with other key decision makers in the Palace.
Whatever the Queen’s decision will be, one thing will remain: Prince Harry and Meghan will still remain as beloved members of the family whom Her Majesty will cherish until her last breath.
