After Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced last month that they will be stepping down as senior royals, Buckingham Palace released a statement that Queen Elizabeth is supporting their decision. While many are not very happy with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's withdrawal, it appeared that the transition will go smoothly.
However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently released an extraordinary statement that changed the “smooth” transition. After learning that they will be banned from using their Sussex Royal trademark in any of their future projects, the couple insisted that they had no intention in using the word, but then pointed out that Queen Elizabeth or the Government don't own the term.
“While there is not any jurisdiction by the monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word ‘royal’ overseas, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use Sussex Royal or any iteration of the word royal in any territory, either with-in the UK or otherwise when the transition occurs spring 2020,” the statement read.
Now, Meghan Markle’s friend claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex felt that they were left with no choice but to release a statement. They also said that the former actress believes that she and her husband should be the ones who should feel insulted by the whole thing.
“Meghan said that [she and Harry] were left with no choice but to make a public statement,” the friend said. “She said if anyone should feel insulted, it should be them. They never intended to capitalize on the word royal, and to insinuate they were somehow abusing their privileges is absurd.”
Meanwhile, after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s shocking announcement, the Buckingham Palace revealed that one of the exit terms that Queen Elizabeth and the Sussex couple agreed on is for them to prevent from using their HRH (His Royal Highness or Her Royal Highness) titles. Also, the Prince will lose his military titles.
A previous report revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could break the UK law if they’ll use their Sussex brand. Sally Britton, a partner at international law firm Mishcon de Reya, said that they should be “mindful” when rebranding.
“There are specific provisions in the Trade Marks Act that prohibit the use and registration of the term Royal and royal insignia (including Royal crowns) as trademarks if they suggest royal patronage, or a royal association, such as employment, without specific consent from the Queen,” she said. “It is unsurprising that the Queen appears to have asked Harry and Meghan to rebrand.”
