Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has found herself at the center of a new controversy regarding her use of the title "HRH" (His/Her Royal Highness). This follows the revelation that a gift basket sent to her friend Jamie Kern Lima included a card reading, "With the compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex." This incident has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the agreements made during her departure from royal duties, commonly referred to as "Megxit."
According to reports, Meghan, 43, has denied using her HRH title for commercial gain, stating through a spokesman that they do not utilize such titles for business purposes. However, critics are questioning this stance after the image of the note was shared on social media, suggesting it was a promotional tool for her As Ever lifestyle brand and her podcast episode featuring Lima.
Back in January 2020, when Meghan and her husband Prince Harry stepped down as senior royals, they reached an understanding with the late Queen Elizabeth II and senior officials that they would cease using their royal titles. Buckingham Palace confirmed at the time, stating, "The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family." Despite this, sources close to the couple indicated that while they do not publicly use their HRH titles, they may still do so privately among friends.
Royal commentator Ingrid Seward weighed in on the situation, suggesting that if Queen Elizabeth were still alive, she would likely be offended by Meghan's actions. "The Queen didn't remove HRH but told them not to use it. But she isn't here anymore, so maybe Harry and Meghan think they can get away with it," Seward remarked.
The gift basket, which included homemade strawberry jam and organic ice cream, was sent to Lima to help her during a busy time with family. However, the presence of the HRH title on the card has drawn criticism from royal fans, with many expressing their disapproval on social media. One user remarked, "I thought they couldn't use HRH?" while another echoed, "She's not to [use] it per the Queen!"
During the podcast where the image was revealed, Meghan opened up about her family life in Montecito with Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. She shared that she sends them daily emails to create a time capsule for them to revisit in the future. "Before I go to bed, almost every night, I email them, like, here's your report card from today, or, oh my gosh, wasn't it the funniest thing this morning?" she said, getting emotional as she read a letter from them.
In the same podcast, Meghan reflected on her relationship with Harry, describing it as more profound than ever. "You have to imagine, at the beginning, everyone has, like, butterflies. Then we immediately went into the trenches together," she stated, suggesting that the couple's bond has grown stronger over time. "So now seven years later, when you have a little bit of breathing space, you can just enjoy each other in a new way. And that's why I feel like it's more of a honeymoon period for us now," she added.
The ongoing discussion about the Sussexes' titles comes as Meghan continues to promote her lifestyle brand, As Ever, which launched earlier this year. The first line of products, featuring items like raspberry spread and herbal tea, reportedly sold out quickly. However, her Netflix series and podcast have received mixed reviews, raising questions about the couple's future endeavors in the entertainment industry.
While Meghan maintains that she respects the agreements made with the royal family, the recent events have led many to speculate whether she is indeed straddling the line between her past royal life and her current pursuits. As the couple continues to navigate their new roles outside the royal family, it remains to be seen how their relationship with the monarchy will evolve.
In summary, the controversy surrounding Meghan's use of her HRH title highlights the complexities of her transition from royal duties to a more independent lifestyle. As she balances her family life and professional aspirations, the scrutiny from the public and royal watchers alike is unlikely to diminish anytime soon. The Duchess of Sussex's journey is a testament to the challenges faced by those who step away from traditional roles and seek to redefine their identities in the public eye.
