Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be using Sussex Royal branding after the spring, a spokeswoman for the couple has said.
It will be dropped when the pair announce plans for their non-profit organisation later this year. They have conceded the word royal could not be used following their decision to stop carrying out official duties on behalf of the Queen, and become financially independent. Plans to trademark Sussex Royal have also been abandoned following discussions with aides and senior royals.
The spokeswoman said: “While the duke and duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organisation, given the specific UK government rules surrounding the use of the word Royal, it has been therefore agreed their non-profit organisation, when it is announced this spring, will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation.”
A statement on their website 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. As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to develop their non-profit organisation and plan for their future, we hope that you use this site as the source for factual information. In spring 2020, their digital channels will be refreshed as they introduce the next exciting phase to you.”
The Sussex Royal label, which is used on the couple’s website and Instagram account, has been under review since they announced in January they would be stepping back from their roles as senior members of the royal family.
Both will now have to be re-branded to reflect the duke and duchess’ decision. Their time as working royals will end on 31 March, the couple said on Wednesday. The pair’s final royal engagement is likely to be the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on 9 March.
Harry and Meghan have said they will be dividing their time between the UK and North America and will become “financially independent”. Experts earlier said their brand could earn them an “absolute fortune”, easily making up to £500m in their first year of independence.
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