HARRY & MEGHAN Couple agree to ditch Royal brand
BUCKINGHAM Palace finally banned the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from using the word “royal” in their charity foundation last night, despite claims of defiance from Meghan.
Palace officials, who had indicated that the couple would probably have to give up using “Sussex Royal”, slapped down a rearguard action from US friends of the duchess.
It was reported that Meghan, 38, told pals there was nothing “legally stopping” her and Prince Harry using the Sussex Royal name, as they did not intend selling “T-shirts and pencils”.
But last night, a spokeswoman for the Sussexes ended the transatlantic briefing and counter-briefing.
She said: “Given the specific UK Government rules surrounding use of the word ‘royal’, it has been therefore agreed that their nonprofit organisation, when it is announced this spring, will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation.
Protective
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘Sussex Royal’ in any territory post spring 2020.
“Therefore the trademark applications that were filed as protective measures, acting on advice from and following the same model for The Royal Foundation, have been removed.”
According to friends, Meghan believed there would be no legal comeback from the Queen if she and Harry, 35, continued to use the brand after quitting royal life on March 31.
But they could have faced legal challenges in America after the US Patent and Trademark Office had eight applications to register “Sussex Royal” by individuals.
Despite the Sussexes investing thousands in their website and trademark applications, the Queen and senior courtiers believed Meghan and Harry could no longer keep “royal” in their branding.
According to a US website, a friend of the Duchess said: “Meghan said the global projects they are working on speak for themselves and they chose that name to protect the royal name, not profit off it.” It was claimed Meghan told her “inner circle” the couple’s success was a foregone conclusion, with or without the branding.
A friend said: “She [Meghan] said regardless of the name, Harry and [son] Archie have royal blood and no one can take that away.
“They are creating a better world for Archie. And it’s Archie who keeps them focused on the big picture.”
The couple, who announced their Sussex Royal Instagram account last April, have amassed 11.2 million followers – the same number of supporters as William and Kate’s Kensington Palace account.
In January, Harry and Meghan unveiled their website after announcing they would step back as senior royals.
Brodie Cooper of US media marketing and communications firm PRrppd, said: “On the initial face of things, the Queen removing that brand name is a blow.
“But Meghan and Harry have a very talented and smart team around them already over here.
“So making a brand transition, while certainly needing some work over time, can still produce success. The American nation especially has a huge affinity and loyalty with products connected to the royals and we have seen that play out here with ventures like the Prince Charles’ Duchy Originals company.
“Having the essential royal seal of approval is a unique selling point and would have put them head and shoulders above the competition.”
The Queen made it clear she did not want Harry and Meghan to be seen to profit from their position.
As well as not using HRH, the couple will no longer have an office at Buckingham Palace from April. And in their surest yet sign they will never again live in Britain, they axed their 15 UK staff.
The Sussexes are currently living in an £11.4million mansion on Vancouver Island, Canada.
They will officially stand down as working royals after completing a series of engagements next month.
The Palace shut-out frees Harry and Meghan to chase corporate cash, which some claim could top £100million – but not at the expense of damaging the Royal Family’s reputation.