Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Controversial Use of Royal Titles
Critics have accused Meghan Markle, based in Los Angeles, of leveraging her royal status to promote her lifestyle brand, As Ever. This claim followed the release of a candle inspired by her wedding to Prince Harry.
The Royal Titles Debate
One contentious issue surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's departure from the Royal Family is their ongoing use of HRH titles and the term "royal." This topic resurfaced after King Charles removed the "prince" title from his brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, in an unprecedented move.
Public Reaction
Following this decision, some readers of the Daily Mail have argued that Harry and Meghan should also lose their titles due to their perceived disrespectful treatment of the monarchy.
Criticism of Meghan’s Business Ventures
Critics assert that the Duchess of Sussex is exploiting her royal connections to boost her lifestyle brand, highlighted by the launch of her new "Signature Candle," inspired by her wedding.
Royal Insider Perspectives
Royal writer Tom Bower noted that senior royals and Buckingham Palace officials have long been concerned about Harry and Meghan's plans to monetize their royal association while continuing to use their titles, despite the Sandringham agreement’s terms.
Mr. Bower described the couple's extensive announcement about "stepping down" as driven by spite after the Palace insisted they close their Sussex Royal brand in February 2020, following Harry's $1 million speaking engagement with JP Morgan in Miami.
Summary
This ongoing controversy reflects deep tensions between Harry and Meghan's personal ventures and the Royal Family’s efforts to preserve traditional protocols and titles.
Author's Summary
Harry and Meghan’s persistent use of royal titles fuels debates over royal protocol and monetization of their heritage amid criticism from the Palace and public alike.