Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again at the center of debate over their ties to the British monarchy, as royal commentators accuse the couple of continuing to benefit financially from their royal status while living and working in the United States. The controversy resurfaced after the revival of a statement the couple issued in 2020, which critics describe as a pointed challenge to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The discussion arrives as King Charles III formally stripped Prince Andrew of the use of his "Prince" title, prompting public comparisons regarding why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex retain theirs. The couple stepped back from senior royal duties in early 2020 under the Sandringham Agreement. That arrangement barred the use of "His and Her Royal Highness" titles in commercial work, but allowed them to maintain their peerage as Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Royal critics argue that the title remains central to the pair's public identity. According to RadarOnline, royal author Tom Bower said that palace insiders have long believed Harry and Meghan sought to "monetise the monarchy." The accusation points to their major commercial partnerships, including high-value media and entertainment deals with Netflix and Spotify. Prince Harry has also taken on paid speaking engagements, including a reported £760,517 ($1 million) appearance at a JP Morgan event in Miami.
Supporters of the couple argue that their business ventures reflect a pursuit of financial independence, particularly after their exit from public royal duties. Critics counter that their projects, philanthropy branding, and public messaging continue to rely heavily on their royal association.
The renewed scrutiny intensified when observers revisited a statement issued by the Sussexes in 2020 after they were asked not to use the "Sussex Royal" branding. In that message, the couple wrote that the late Queen Elizabeth II had "no jurisdiction overseas over the word 'Royal'," a phrase widely interpreted as a pointed rebuke of the monarch's authority. Royal commentators described the wording as "a thinly veiled swipe" and called the tone "spiteful and unnecessary."
Some royal analysts told RadarOnline that the revived attention to this message reflects broader tensions between the Sussexes and senior working royals including Prince William and Princess Catherine. The language has resurfaced just over a year after the Queen's passing, a timing that has struck royal supporters as disrespectful given the late monarch's symbolic role in national identity.
Buckingham Palace has not commented publicly on the renewed criticism. Public reaction online remains sharply divided. Some users argue Harry and Meghan are entitled to establish careers after experiencing intense media pressure in the United Kingdom. Others contend that continuing to use royal titles while criticizing the institution blurs the distinction between public service and celebrity branding.
