Skip to main content

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not happy about losing Sussex Royal. The couple released a statement on their website confirming that they will stop using the name as they step down as active members of the royal family. With the pair scheduled for one final public engagement with the rest of the royals, their statement included a subtle dig at Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Prince Harry Meghan Markle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lose Sussex Royal

Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, launched Sussex Royal last year. They started the organization after leaving The Royal Foundation, which was started by William and Harry in 2009. Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, joined the group after she married William in 2011, and Meghan did the same after her wedding in 2018.

Prince Harry and Meghan originally planned to keep working with Sussex Royal following their departure from the royal family. But that changed after Queen Elizabeth decided to prohibit them from using their royal styles once their exit becomes official.

The couple’s departure will go into effect at the end of March. At that time, they will become financially independent from the crown while splitting their time between the UK and North America.

Following the announcement from Buckingham Palace, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a statement of their own on their website.

“While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organization, given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word ‘Royal’, it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organization will not utilize the name ‘Sussex Royal’ or any other iteration of ‘Royal.’” The statement revealed.

The Sussexes face backlash over trademark

Prince Harry and Meghan have faced a litany of criticisms in the wake of their decision to step down as senior members of the royal family. One source of backlash is the fact that the pair filed a trademark application for Sussex Royal last year.

Royal watchers criticized the couple for trying to make money off their brand, especially since the trademark included a clause about merchandise. That deal, of course, is no longer on the table as Prince Harry and Meghan look to launch a new foundation.

Although fans were quick to bash the Sussexes, Kate Middleton did the same thing for her royal title back in 2013. At the time, Kensington Palace released a statement justifying the move.

“As part of that process, we have to choose any categories under which we might conceivably operate in the future,” the statement read. “This also protects the foundation against other people using its name illegally. We included clothing in case we choose, for example, to make T-shirts in years to come, for marathon runners, etc.”

With that in mind, Harry and Meghan mentioned the Cambridges in their statement regarding the future of Sussex Royal – though some fans took this as a subtle dig at the couple.

Did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle throw shade at Prince William and Kate Middleton?

On their website, Harry and Meghan assured fans that their application for a trademark on Sussex Royal has been removed. According to Express, they also revealed that they originally filed for it because they were following in William and Kate’s footsteps.

“For the above reason, the trademark applications that had been filed as protective measures and that reflected the same standard trademarking requests as done for The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have been removed,” the couple explained.

It is unclear what Harry and Meghan will name the next iteration of their charity, but they will likely move forward with it in the coming months.

As part of their plan to leave the monarchy, Prince Harry and Meghan are going to become financially independent. They are also setting up a new home base in North America, though an exact location has yet to be revealed.

Before their exit becomes final, the Sussexes are due for one last public appearance alongside Queen Elizabeth, William, and Kate. After that, it will likely be a long time before we see them again.

Prince William and Kate Middleton furious over Megxit

The royals have been publicly supportive of Prince Harry and Meghan as they transition to the next chapter in their lives. But behind the scenes, royal experts claim that William and Kate are very displeased with how the Sussexes have handled their exit.

Richard Fitzwilliams, an expert on the monarchy, recently revealed that the Cambridges feel like Megxit is a “severe blow” to the royals. The couple is also concerned about the future of the monarchy and how Prince Harry and Meghan’s absence will play out in the long term.

Fitzwilliams added that William and Kate are particularly unhappy with Harry and Meghan’s recent statement regarding their royal titles. He also does not think the couples will meet while the Sussexes are in the UK.

Prince Harry and Meghan are slated to appear at the Commonwealth Day service with the entire royal family on March 9.

Best in Entertainment