Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have announced that they will no longer be using the term ‘royal' in their branding after they officially step down from their senior royal roles in Spring.
A spokesperson for the couple announced on Friday, February 21, that while neither the government nor the Queen have the rights to the word ‘royal’ internationally, the pair have decided to no longer use the title.
'While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word "Royal" overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use "Sussex Royal" or any iteration of the word "Royal" in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020,’ the spokesperson stated.
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Royal author Robert Hardman told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the decision on the brand name was a 'setback' for the Duke and Duchess.
'They've spent a great deal of money registering the trademarks,' he said.
The couple also confirmed that their office, based in Buckingham Palace, would be closed, describing it as a decision that is ‘saddening for the Duke and Duchess and their loyal staff’.
The announcement comes days after a spokesperson for the couple announced that the pair will formally step down from their current royal roles on March 31, 2020.
The BBC reports that the move means the pair will no longer carry out official engagements and duties on behalf of the Queen and royal family, but that the process will be reviewed after 12 months by all parties involved.
In January, Meghan and Harry announced that would be stepping back from royal duties, become financially independent from the monarchy and split their time between the UK and North America, in line with establishing their new charitable foundation.
Weeks later, the Queen released a statement revealing that she had given her grandson and Meghan's decision her blessing, sharing that a 'constructive and supportive way forward' had been decided upon.
The couple are currently in the process of setting up a new charitable organisation, without the use of their HRH titles, almost a year after they first began using the term ‘Sussex Royal’ after their split their household from that of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s, known as Kensington Royal.
Ahead of the birth of their son Archie last May, the pair launched the Sussex Royal’ Instagram page, @sussexroyal, which has garnered over 11.2million followers.
Before stepping down as working royals, the pair are expected to take part in six more engagements in their official capacities including joining the Queen at Westminster Abbey to mark Commonwealth Day on March 9.
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