On May 2, 2025, Meghan Markle found herself at the center of a controversy when she was accused of using her former royal title, HRH (Her Royal Highness), to gain preferential treatment. This accusation was made by PR consultant Mark Borkowski, who suggested that the Duchess of Sussex might have been caught leveraging her royal status to enhance her profile, especially in the United States.
The stir began when Jamie Kern Lima, a close friend of Meghan's, showcased a gift basket she received from the Duchess during an episode of The Jamie Kern Lima Show. The basket included homemade strawberry sauce and ice cream, accompanied by a card that read, "With Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex." This seemingly innocuous gesture ignited a debate about the appropriateness of Meghan's use of the HRH title, given that she and her husband, Prince Harry, had agreed to stop using it following their exit from royal duties in March 2020.
In an interview with The Sun, Borkowski pointed out that the use of the HRH title provides Meghan with an undeniable edge in social situations, particularly in America, where royal connections are often viewed as a significant asset. "It's clearly social capital," he stated. "I mean, I think that I'm sure her PA uses it to ensure that she gets that top table at a restaurant." He elaborated that the title adds weight to her presence and creates a "subliminal aura" of ongoing ties to the British royal family, a brand he described as immensely powerful globally.
Despite the backlash, representatives for Meghan quickly responded to the allegations, asserting that the title was not used for commercial purposes but rather as part of a personal gift. A source close to the Duchess emphasized that the HRH designation was meant to convey a personal touch, not to imply any commercial gain. However, this explanation did little to quell the speculation surrounding Meghan's intentions.
The controversy surrounding Meghan's use of the HRH title has drawn significant media attention, with The Sun's Royal Editor, Matt Wilkinson, suggesting that the Duchess may have inadvertently exposed herself. He remarked, "She's kind of almost been caught out because I have a theory on this that maybe she hadn't seen the edit or she wasn't aware this picture was going to be shown or maybe her staff didn't realize the gravity or we'd end up talking about it lots." This comment raises questions about whether Meghan might be using her royal title in other contexts, such as negotiations with streaming giants like Netflix and Spotify.
Wilkinson's observations reflect a broader concern among royal watchers regarding the implications of Meghan's actions. He speculated on the potential for her to be using the HRH title in private communications, suggesting that if she is comfortable sending personal gifts with royal signifiers, she might also be invoking her royal status in professional dealings.
Meanwhile, Borkowski reiterated his belief that Meghan's royal ties are crucial to her brand image in America, where celebrity status is paramount. He stated, "This is a power game. And no more than in America, where that status is so important because without that status, she's just another sort of B-lister in a continent absolutely populated with celebrities." His comments underline the delicate balance Meghan must navigate as she promotes her projects while distancing herself from the royal family.
Since stepping back from royal duties, Meghan and Harry have pursued a range of ventures, including media production and philanthropic efforts. However, the shadow of their royal past continues to loom large, influencing public perception and media narratives about their actions. The recent incident with the gift basket has reignited discussions about how the couple manages their royal legacy while striving for independence.
As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how Meghan will address the backlash and whether she will continue to use her royal title in personal or professional contexts. The implications of her choices are significant, not only for her public image but also for the ongoing dialogue about the relevance of royal titles in contemporary society.
In a world where social capital can dictate opportunities, Meghan's relationship with her royal title serves as a reminder of the complexities faced by those who attempt to redefine their identities outside of traditional roles. With every move scrutinized, the Duchess of Sussex must carefully consider the impact of her actions on her brand and public perception.
The fallout from this incident is likely to reverberate through the media landscape, as royal experts and fans alike continue to dissect the nuances of Meghan's decisions. As this narrative evolves, one thing is clear: the conversation surrounding royal titles and their implications in modern society is far from over.
