Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received warning from Prince Charles about potentially profiting from their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The couple will, apparently, receive "strict instructions" that will prevent them from earning money off their royal name.
Currently, arrangements are being mapped out for Prince Harry and Meghan's new life in Canada. The Sussex pair expressed their need to earn a private income as they step back from their roles as senior royals.
Queen Elizabeth agreed that they can change their royal roles and gain financial independence. However, a source told the Daily Mail that the process will not be so simple.
Apparently, Prince Charles warned his son that they must not soil the royal family by entering into commercial ventures that would cheapen their name. Royal experts said that they cannot, for instance, put "Sussex" on a tub of margarine.
Thus, as the palace and the royal houses carefully go through the details of Prince Harry and Meghan's future, royal aides said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex should expect that they will not have unlimited resources. They will be clamped down by restrictions from the palace to ensure that they won't use their royal titles for profit.
Prince Harry and Meghan filed a global trademark for the Sussex name as details emerged about their plan to create a range of times, as well as activities, for their brand. These include clothing, greeting cards, stationery, charitable events and emotional support groups.
According to The Guardian, the trademark covers Australia, Canada, the European Union and the United States. It was filed last December with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Experts said that Prince Harry and Meghan could potentially earn over £400 million or $521 million if they pursue a private commercial venture using their Sussex royal titles.
Prince Harry and Meghan, however, are not the only royals to trademark their name. Princess Diana also did the same but following her death, the memorial fund that bore her title was embroiled in financial schemes that the public disapproved.
Prince William and Kate Middleton also filed a trademark for their royal titles as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2013. The Cambridges have no plans to create lifestyle brands off their names but there is, legally, an option for it. For now, they want to protect the brand and the charity that carries their name.
