Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Scrutiny of Harry and Meghan’s Royal Branding Rises After Product Promo and Biographer’s Critique

Coverage highlights Meghan’s cypher‑branded notebook plus a wedding‑themed candle, revisiting the couple’s 2020 pledge to drop ‘Sussex Royal’.

Overview

  • The renewed focus follows the King’s decision to remove Prince Andrew’s titles, which has reopened debate about how royals use names and associations.
  • A recent video promoting Meghan’s Christmas range showed a notebook embossed with her royal cypher, and her brand listed a No 519 candle referencing the couple’s wedding, drawing criticism from royal watchers.
  • In 2020, the Sussexes stated their new non-profit would not use the name ‘Sussex Royal’ or any iteration of ‘Royal’ and asserted the monarchy and UK Cabinet Office have no jurisdiction over the word overseas.
  • Royal biographer Tom Bower labeled that statement “spiteful” and “rude to the Queen” and claimed senior figures suspected the couple intended to monetise the monarchy.
  • The pair stopped being working royals on 31 March 2020, lost use of HRH for official purposes, founded Archewell later that year, and Harry subsequently took paid speaking work including a JP Morgan event Bower says was worth about $1 million.