Meghan Markle and Prince Harry release 'saddening' details of post-royal life, withdraw trademark applications for 'Sussex'
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have released extensive details on their post-royal future, including a “saddening” split from Buckingham Palace staff and clarification on the ownership of “Sussex Royal.”
“We are pleased to now be able to share with you an update on many of the details agreed at a meeting of The Royal Family in January 2020, which outlines The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s new roles, taking effect Spring 2020,” read the statement posted to the couple’s website Sussex Royal on Friday night.
Regarding their plans to run a non-profit organization, the couple wrote, “...Given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word ‘Royal’, it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organization will not utilize the name ‘Sussex Royal’ or any other iteration of ‘Royal.’”
The couple, who withdrew relevant trademark applications, added, “While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word ‘Royal’ overseas. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘Sussex Royal’ or any iteration of the word ‘Royal’ in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020.”
In January, after sharing their intention to “step back” from royal duties to continue raising their 9-month-old son Archie both in North America and the U.K., Buckingham Palace announced, “The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”
Queen Elizabeth said she was pleased to have found a “constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family” and wished the couple well on “building a happy and peaceful new life.”
Aside from rumors that the couple is scouting Kylie Jenner’s former rental home in Malibu Calif., their new life includes heavy security. “This is based on The Duke’s public profile by virtue of being born into The Royal Family, his military service, the Duchess’ own independent profile, and the shared threat and risk level documented specifically over the last few years,” read the Saturday notice, adding that further information is classified.
But moving on doesn’t mean that Harry loses his place in line to the throne — after Queen Elizabeth is no longer head of the monarchy, she’s followed by her son Prince Charles, 71, her grandson Prince William, 37, and her great-grandson Prince George, 6. After George, his siblings Princess Charlotte, 4, and Prince Louis, 1 follow, leaving Harry in 6th place.
And while Meghan, 38, and Harry, 35, will no longer be on royal call, they will maintain their patronages, even royals ones. Harry is notably connected to the Invictus Games foundation in Toronto for which Jon Bon Jovi will record a song called “Unbroken” on February 28. And Markle’s causes include Smart Works which provides free clothing and job training to underprivileged women and Mayhew, an animal charity.
The couple also closed their Buckingham Palace office with efforts to ensure “a smooth transition” for staff members. “Over the last month and a half, The Duke and Duchess have remained actively involved in this process, which has understandably been saddening for The Duke and Duchess and their loyal staff, given the closeness of Their Royal Highnesses and their dedicated team.”
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