Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Aren’t Able to Use the Word Royal Anymore
Update, 02/21/2020: It’s official, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will no longer be allowed to use the terms royal and Sussex royal as they head into their new, independent lives.
“Given the specific U.K. government rules surrounding use of the word royal, it has been therefore agreed that their nonprofit [organization], when it is announced this spring, will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation,” the ex-royal couple’s spokesperson said in a statement released by The Sun. “Therefore the trademark applications that were filed as protective measures, acting on advice from and following the same model for The Royal Foundation, have been removed.”
No word yet on what this means for the Sussex Royal Instagram account. Maybe The Tig will make a comeback?
Original story, 02/19/2020: So much has happened since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced they’re stepping down as senior members of the royal family. The couple and baby Archie now live in Vancouver (they’ll be dividing their time between North America and the U.K.). They’re diversifying their work engagements (Prince Harry spoke at a J.P. Morgan event in Miami earlier in February). And the changes keep on coming. Now, it seems, Markle and Prince Harry may not be able to use the word royal as part of their new brand—specifically regarding the charity nonprofit they hope to launch.
This news comes after the Daily Mail's report that Queen Elizabeth II has outright “banned” the two from using the word royal in their current and future endeavors. People magazine’s sources, however, aren’t being so drastic. Rather, they’re saying “discussions” are underway about the matter.
“As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are stepping back as senior members of the royal family and will work toward financial independence, use of the word royal, in this context, needed to be reviewed. Discussions are still ongoing,” the source tells People.
They continue, “As part of the process to transition the Duke and Duchess of Sussex into their new chapter, planning has been well underway around the launch of their new nonprofit organization. Details will be shared in due course.”
That being said, People reports it is “likely” Markle and Prince Harry will not use the word royal going forward. For now, though, their Instagram handle is still @SussexRoyal. We’ll keep you posted on when (and if) that changes.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced in early January 2020 they were stepping back from the royal family. “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” they wrote on Instagram. “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.”
Originally Appeared on Glamour
