Meghan Markle has reignited the debate surrounding her use of the HRH title after sending a gift basket to makeup mogul Jamie Kern Lima with a monogrammed card stating, “With Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.” This move has stirred controversy as it goes against the agreement made by Meghan and Harry in their Royal departure, known as ‘Megxit’, to refrain from using the “Her Royal Highness” and “His Royal Highness” titles as of March 2020.
Despite not actively using the titles in public or for commercial purposes, the couple still retains the right to the HRH designation, sparking a blurred line between personal and private use. Constitutional scholar Craig Prescott from Royal Holloway University of London explained that while the couple agreed not to use the titles in an official capacity, there is nothing legally preventing Meghan from using it in a personal context, which has caused the current controversy.
The lack of formal action in revoking their HRH titles, such as passing a letters patent, suggests that the Palace may have wanted to keep the door open for their potential return, although this now seems unlikely. The ongoing use of the HRH title privately without formal permission has raised concerns about the couple pushing against the previous agreement in the future.
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In essence, Meghan Markle’s use of the HRH title has brought to light the complexities of their royal status and the intricacies of their agreement post ‘Megxit’, leaving many questioning the implications of her actions on their standing within the royal family.