Meghan Markle uses HRH title privately despite restrictions

In early 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals and relocated to the United States, citing substantial media scrutiny and lack of support as reasons for their departure. Despite losing their official working royal status, they retained their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as they were bestowed upon Meghan by Queen Elizabeth II during their wedding in May 2018. However, a Buckingham Palace statement clarified that the couple agreed not to use the HRH titles publicly or for any commercial purposes, which is a significant aspect of their post-royal arrangement. Recently, it was discovered that Meghan used the HRH title on a personal card sent with a gift to Jamie Kern Lima, a US entrepreneur, indicating a possible breach of their agreement. The card was presented in a video for a podcast hosted by Lima, reflecting Meghan's intention to remain connected to her royal ties even while stating that her use of the title was in a personal, private context. Sources close to Harry and Meghan argued that using the HRH title in this manner does not violate the established agreement, positioning it as a distinction between private and public usage. This incident reignited discussions among royal experts about the implications of using royal titles, as Prince William, heir to the throne, has expressed frustration over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex potentially monetizing their royal connections, thereby prioritizing personal gain over respect for royal protocol. This sentiment echoes the public concerns voiced by political figures, advocating for a reconsideration of the Sussex titles, particularly in light of their non-working status. The ongoing discourse surrounding the Sussexes illustrates the complexities faced by former royals in maintaining their identities while adhering to the expectations tied to royal titles, leading to polarizing opinions within the royal family and the public alike.