Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be using the "Sussex Royal" name, their spokesperson has confirmed. The battle around the title has been one of the many topics to be worked out following the couple's decision to step back as senior members of the royal family.
While the couple are still members of the royal family, they are stepping away from royal duties. This fact has made their ability to use "royal" in their branding a point of contention. Ultimately, the decision was Queen Elizabeth's. However, the couple’s official website suggests they may be angry at just how the decision was reached. A statement on Friday night suggested that a blanket ban on the use of the word “royal” wouldn't be enforceable outside of the UK.
“There is not,” it noted, “any jurisdiction by the monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word ‘royal’ overseas.”
Despite ongoing discussions, a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan has confirmed that the word will not be used after spring 2020. The spokesperson cited UK government rules on the use of the word.
Harry and Meghan will surely find new branding that takes them forward from the Sussex Royal name. Leaving those titles behind does feel like a fresh start for the couple. Some are unsure that the couple can prosper without the royal family. Harry and Meghan seem confident of their ability to conquer anything as long as they have each other.
After months of speculation, the verdict is in. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not get to use the term "royal" in their branding moving forward. The news comes as the public continues to wonder what life will look like for Harry and Meghan moving forward.
On Friday, a spokesperson for the couple delivered the news in a statement. "While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organization, given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word ‘Royal,’ it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organization when it is announced this Spring, will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation," the statement explained.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘SussexRoyal’ in any territory post Spring 2020."
Many believed that this news would be a crushing blow to the couple. They began filing trademark applications for using the "Sussex Royal" branding months ago. The spokesperson went on to explain that the filings were protective measures, acting on advice from and following the same model for The Royal Foundation.
Harry and Meghan may be shifting names around, but their charity foundation will move forward. They shared some additional details on their website, still at SussexRoyal.com. The couple explains that although the restriction on the use of "royal" doesn't apply outside the UK, they will not use it in any territory after the transition is complete.
As for previous reports of their own foundation, they've also clarified what that will look like. The couple "intend to develop a new way to effect change and complement the efforts made by so many excellent foundations globally," they shared.
"The creation of this non-profit entity will be in addition to their cause-driven work that they remain deeply committed to."
Harry and Meghan will officially step down from their roles within the royal family as of March 31. Their Buckingham Palace office will close down as of April 1. Instead, the couple will be represented in the UK by their charity team.
As for their charity organization, further announcements will be made in the coming months. "The Duke and Duchess will be spending their time in both the United Kingdom and North America," the spokesperson added.
"In addition to continuing to work closely with their existing patronages as they build a plan for engagements in the U.K. and the Commonwealth throughout the year, The Duke and Duchess have also been undertaking meetings as part of their ongoing work to establish a new non-profit organization. The details of this new organization will be shared later in the year."
The couple also asserts that the communities they've already touched with charity work will continue to be serviced, regardless of their royal status.
"In general, the themes of their cause-related work will remain unchanged, which includes the Commonwealth, community, youth empowerment, and mental health, collectively," the spokesperson noted. They also hope to expand their reach.
This all feels pretty final, but this go of things is actually on something of a trial basis. A review of the agreement is set for 12 months after it takes effect.
"As there is no precedent for this new model of working and eventual financial independence, the Royal Family and The Sussexes have agreed to an initial 12-month review to ensure the arrangement works for all parties," the spokesperson explains.
Contrary to previous reports, Harry and Meghan haven't lost their His/Her Royal Highness titles. The couple will retain the titles moving forward. However, they've decided not to use them after the transition is complete, as they will no longer be working royals.
Harry and Meghan will also remain the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Likewise, they will continue to be the Earl and Countess of Dumbarton and the Baron and Baroness Kilkeel. Harry will not lose his place in the line of succession to the throne. Currently, he is sixth in line.
Harry and Meghan have a few more engagements to carry out before the transition is complete. Harry will be with Jon Bon Jovi for a special song recording benefiting the Invictus Games on February 28. On March 6, he'll attend the Silverstone Experience opening with Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton.
Together, Harry and Meghan will be at the Endeavour Fund Awards on March 5. The ceremony acknowledges the wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans who utilized sports in their recovery. On March 7, they'll attend the Mountbatten Music Festival at the Royal Albert Hall.
No official plans have been announced for International Women's Day, but Meghan is reportedly working on some secret visits around the UK. Harry and Meghan will be alongside the rest of the royal family on March 9 for the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on Commonwealth Day. With so many hearts to touch around the world, it's safe to say the UK hasn't seen the last of Harry and Meghan.
