The eldest grandson of Queen Elizabeth apparently starred in a milk commercial that aired in China. A video of Peter Phillips, who is the son of Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, is apparently making the rounds amid reports that Peter's cousin, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, have to find other ways to become financially independent after leaving their royal life.
According to Newsweek, Peter's milk advertisement was for the company Guangming Dairy in Shanghai. The ad shows Peter being identified as "British royal family member, Peter Phillips."
In the said video, Peter is heard in a Chinese-dubbed voice talking about herding cattles in Windsor as a child. He also recalled how the milk from their family farm was full of flavor and creamier than other milk.
Peter and his sister, Zara Phillips Tindall, may be royal family members but they are not titled working royals. Princess Anne refused to have her children carry the HRH (Her/His Royal Highness) and she tried to raise Peter and Zara away from the trappings of the royal family.
Because of this, Peter and Zara have been free to pursue whatever they wanted, including starring in a commercial. However, Peter's milk ad is now facing backlash from the public. Royal critics called out Peter's commercial as unfair.
One royal fan of Prince Harry and Meghan wondered why Buckingham Palace is turning a blind eye on Peter's ad after the British tabloid media criticized Prince Harry and Meghan of their plans to go commercial with their royal name, Sussex. Some critics also said that Peter cashed in on his royal pedigree by becoming a milk endorser, and in China at that. There have been no official comments from both Peter and the palace about the ad's criticisms as of press time.
According to Daily Mail, this was not the first instance Peter made money off his royal lineage. Apparently, when he married Autumn Kelly, Peter sold the exclusive coverage to Hello! for £500,000.
His events company also received a hefty sum for winning the contract to the Queen's 90th birthday. To avoid accusations of a clash of interest, Peter resigned as the patron.
Peter's sister also entered into commercial ventures. Zara is an endorser of Land Rover, Rolex and a series of lifestyle brands. She also reportedly sold photos of her daughters to a magazine for a six-figure price.
Prince Harry and Meghan have been warned not to bring embarrassment to Queen Elizabeth if they plan on going commercial for their brand Sussex Royal.
