Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Controversial Use of Royal Titles
Critics have accused Los Angeles–based Meghan Markle of leveraging her royal status to promote her lifestyle brand, As Ever, especially after she released a candle inspired by her wedding to Prince Harry.
Debate Over Royal Honorifics
One of the most contentious issues surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from the Royal Family is their continued use of the HRH titles and the word "royal." This debate intensified after King Charles stripped his brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, of his prince title in an unprecedented move.
Following this, some readers of the Daily Mail argued that Harry and Meghan should also lose their titles due to their "appalling" treatment of the monarchy.
Commercial Ventures and Royal Status
Critics have suggested the Duchess of Sussex, 44, is exploiting her royal connection to boost her brand. Meghan released a new "Signature Candle" inspired by her wedding. Royal author Tom Bower noted that senior royals and Buckingham Palace officials have long suspected the Sussexes intended to "monetise the monarchy."
Resistance to Title Restrictions and Fallout
Bower claimed the couple's extensive message about "stepping down" was motivated by spite. This followed the Palace's insistence that they shut down their Sussex Royal brand in February 2020, after Prince Harry’s $1 million speaking engagement with JP Morgan in Miami, Florida.
"Senior royals and Buckingham Palace officials have long speculated on the Sussexes' intention to 'monetise the monarchy' while noting their resistance to stop using their titles - despite the terms of the Sandringham agreement."
"The couple's lengthy message about 'stepping down' was out of spite when the Palace insisted they shut down their Sussex Royal brand in February 2020 - following Prince Harry's $1 million JP Morgan speaking event in Miami, Florida."
Overall, the ongoing controversy highlights tensions between maintaining royal traditions and pursuing personal commercial interests.
Author's summary: The dispute over Harry and Meghan's use of royal titles reveals deep divides between traditional monarchy expectations and the couple’s commercial ambitions.