Looks like the final detail of their separation as Senior Members of the Royal Family has finally been confirmed. Meghan and Harry now have to change their names once they step away from their roles. Turns out, the Queen has said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could not use the word “Royal” once they’re no longer royals.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘SussexRoyal’ in any territory post Spring 2020,” a spokesperson for the Sussexes told ABC News. This concludes all the speculation that was swirling around whether the Queen was going to allow the couple to use the word. Turns out, it’s a no from Grandma.
The couple were initially been looking to trademark “Sussex Royal” and had sent in all the needed paperwork. They had plans to name their upcoming charity the Sussex Royal Foundation, but that’s not going to be the case anymore. And the filed trademarks for Sussex Royal have “been removed.”
“While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organization, given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word ‘Royal,’ it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organization when it is announced this Spring, will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation,” the spokesperson said.
The Duke and Duchess pushed back on this with a posted statement to their website on the decision the Queen made to not allow them to use the word “Royal.”
“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 couple said in their statement. They also mentioned that their “digital channels” will be updated later this spring, “as they introduce the next exciting phase to you.”
Yep, sounds like Grandma wants them to change their Insta-handle, too.
Harry and Meghan’s last day as working members of Britain’s royal family will be March 31. The couple’s office and their official roles will be closed and ending on April 1.
