Meghan Markle is causing quite a stir with her continued use of the title “Her Royal Highness,” a choice that some royal observers argue would have deeply offended Queen Elizabeth II.
Recent reports reveal that Markle has been sending notes under this title for at least five years, reigniting discussions about the Sussexes’ break from royal protocols.
The spark for the controversy came when a photograph surfaced, shared by Jamie Kern Lima, the CEO of IT Cosmetics.
The image showcased a delightful food hamper accompanied by a message identifying Meghan as “HRH The Duchess of Sussex.”
Such a phrase, familiar from Meghan’s past as a working royal, raises eyebrows, especially given the couple’s agreement to forgo the use of royal titles after moving to the United States.
Markle’s representative has firmly denied any breach of the so-called “Megxit” agreement, arguing that the titles are no longer employed for commercial purposes.
However, insiders close to Meghan have indicated that she occasionally refers to herself as Her Royal Highness in private correspondences with friends.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward, who serves as the editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, weighed in on the matter, stating, “The Queen didn’t strip them of their titles; she simply requested they refrain from using them.” According to Seward, if Queen Elizabeth were still alive today, she would likely be very displeased, considering her sensitivity to the issue.
Interestingly, the note accompanying the gift sent to Kern Lima mirrors a similar message Meghan sent to author Matt Haig six years ago.
This consistency begs the question of how often Meghan has continued this tradition of using her royal cypher since stepping back from official duties.
Despite the Sussexes’ claim that they no longer use their HRH titles publicly, the messages sent with homemade treats seem to suggest otherwise.
The basket that sparked this latest debate contained strawberry jam and organic ice cream, among other goodies, and was sent to support her friend during a family visit.
Critics are taking this as a potential marketing move for her new lifestyle brand, “As Ever,” and her podcast episode.
Some royal watchers voiced their frustration on social media, questioning how Meghan maintains the HRH title despite explicit agreements.
Despite the backlash, a source clarified that the Royal Highness titles were never formally removed from Meghan and Harry.
This leaves a curious loophole that has allowed Meghan to retain some semblance of her royal identity even after distancing herself from royal duties.
In an emotional podcast episode, Meghan shared that she is creating a sort of “time capsule” for her children, Archie and Lilibet, by emailing them daily.
She expressed heartfelt sentiments about her family life, reading a touching note from her kids that echoed affection and gratitude.
Meghan’s emotional revelations during the podcast also drew attention to her relationship with Harry, detailing how they faced challenges early on in their romance.
She reflected on how their bond has evolved over the years, suggesting that they have entered a newfound ‘honeymoon phase’ after weathering life’s difficulties together.
As conversations swirl around the Sussexes and their noble titles, it’s clear that their choices continue to captivate both royal fans and critics alike.
Whether for personal use or otherwise, Markle’s decision to keep the HRH title in the public eye is bound to remain a point of contention among the royal family and their followers.
While the specter of the monarchy looms large over Meghan and Harry’s new life in California, their narrative unfolds—filled with emotion, family ties, and perhaps, a hint of rebellion.
The question remains: how will this latest chapter in their story affect their standing, both within and beyond royal circles?
