Sussex Royal brand could be a multi-million winner
HARRY and Meghan have started their push to promote their Sussex Royal brand which experts believe could pull in millions of pounds.
While the row over whether they should be allowed to use the royal title if they are stepping back from duty rages on, the pair’s new website is already plugging the brand.
Harry and Meghan have trademarked the Sussex Royal brand for hundreds of products including pencils, socks and bookmarks.
The couple are already independently wealthy according to David McClure, author of Royal Legacy, a book about the Royal Family’s finances.
He said: “Together, they might well be worth £10million to £15million.”
Public relations expert Mark Borkowski believes the pair could make a fortune from their brand which could rival that of the House ofWindsor.
He explained: “We’ll see something which is going to be a very powerful foundation or brand outside the Royal Family.
“And that’s possibly the most dangerous thing for the royal brand. Could they have a world focus in a way the House of Windsor can’t?”
Mr Borkowski said Meghan and Harry stand to make “a fortune” due to the demand for the Sussex brand.
He said: “I think around the world – China, America, South East Asia, India, parts of Europe – people will be falling over to get brand connections with them.They’ll make a fortune.”
And by submitting trademark applications last June, it seems the pair were already intent on turning their brand into a global empire.
The Sussexes will now use their new website to plug dozens of products including T-shirts, hoodies, scarves, journals and gloves.
Ronn Torossian, chief executive of New York-based PR firm 5W Public Relations, said: “Their earning power – both individually and as a couple – is limitless in all aspects of endorsements.
“Whether appearances, brand partnerships or more, they could make eight or nine figures annually with endorsement deals.”
In addition, the royal pair have hopes to trademark the title on developing and coordinating volunteer projects for charitable purposes; providing volunteering opportunities and recruitment of volunteers and information, advisory and consultancy services.
4. Frogmore Cottage A full relocation to North America and the relinquishing of royal roles would avoid double taxation, but there could be pressure for the couple to repay the £2.4million of taxpayers’ cash spent on renovations.
If they want to retain the Grade II property the Crown Estate, which owns the freehold, could lease it to them.
5. Future royal role The Queen’s statement referred to a downgrading of Harry and Meghan’s royal roles.
Sir Mark Sedwill, head of the Civil Service, has been drawing up plans to offer a high-profile Commonwealth position. The couple would live in Canada but travel as “quasi” royals.
6. Security costs Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reported to have said security for the couple will be paid for by his government. But Dai Davies, ex-head of royalty protection, has dubbed an idea to downgrade protection to officers carrying Tasers as “nonsensical”.