Dfter last year’s media flops, the loss of the contract with Spotify and the uncertainty of Netflix, who perhaps won’t sign a new one with the couple, Harry and Meghan are trying to reinvent themselves. And they do it with a new site – with a minimalist style and for now with little content – which immediately sparked controversy: Sussex.com replaces the already tested one Archewellbut the use of the Royal title for potentially commercial purposes is worrying at court.
New challenge for Harry and Meghan (now that the queen is no longer here)
At the announcement of Megxitin the first months of 2020, Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, had launched Sussex Royal, what was supposed to be their commercial name. But Queen Elizabeth immediately banned the couple from using their title for purposes not related to duties at court. And they had been forced with some reluctance to accept. But now that the Queen is gone and the Sussexes are far away in California, the Duke and Duchess are at it again.
Do Harry and Meghan want to exploit their Royal title?
The new site Sussex.com substitute Archewell and currently contains individual biographies of the couple as well as news regarding their most recent activities. AND their commercial intentions are unequivocal from the presentation: “The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is shaping the future through business and philanthropic activities”.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, in Germany for the Invictus Games, September 2023 (Getty Images)
The details that do not appear in the new biographies of the Sussexes
In his profile the prince describes himself as a “philanthropist, war veteran, mental health advocate and environmental activist”. Meghan, for her part, defines herself as a “feminist, champion of human rights and gender equality”. But the English press immediately criticized them: Harry seems to have “forgotten” to mention his membership in the Royal Familywhile in her long biography Meghan dedicates only one line to her acting career.
Buckingham Palace’s reaction was long in coming
At court they have not yet expressed their opinion on the matter, but sources reported by the English press have made it known that i courtier I’m feeling anxious again. What use will Harry and Meghan make of the Royal title and the coat of arms that accompanies it? King Charles’ collaborators will monitor carefully the contents that will be added in the coming weeks. And if the couple uses the title for commercial purposes, they will be able to request the immediate and definitive closure of the site at Buckingham Palace. Just like Queen Elizabeth did with Sussex Royal.
Harry and Meghan defend themselves: Sussex belongs to them
Although busy preparing for the departure of Harry and Meghan – who will be in Canada for three days tomorrow with little Archie and Lilibet for the launch of the Invictus Games – their team in Montecito immediately reacted to the criticism. A spokesperson responded by saying that, ultimately, Sussex is their name and the couple can do what they want with it.
Queen Elizabeth, here with Harry and Meghan, was against the commercial use of the Sussex title (Getty Images)
Concern for King Charles: Was he aware of Harry’s plans?
It is not known whether, during his very quick, recent visit to London, Harry spoke about his upcoming plans with his father Carlo, who has just started treatment for cancer. He won’t have had time: their meeting at Clarence House lasted just over 30 minutes due to the Charles’s departure for Sandringham. But the stress that this latest move by the Sussexes is now causing the king is creating some apprehension. As usual, Harry and Meghan’s timing leaves something to be desired.
TOlisten to the free podcast about the British royals
iO Donna © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED