Meghan Markle no longer 'HRH' or 'Royal' on Smart Works Charity website, patron only titled Duchess of Sussex
Meghan Markle has stepped away from her royal duties and on Saturday, March 21, Smart Works Charity removed all her titles — both as an “HRH” or “royal” — from their official website.
Meghan is a patron of the charity and she unveiled a capsule collection last September to help women seek employment with the help of coaching tips and professional attire during job interviews. The change in titles seems to be a confirmation of stepping away from the royal family and an agreement that said they would not use the term “royal” anymore.
A section, which was previously headed, “Our Royal Patron,” now reads, “The Duchess of Sussex.” Another page that was earlier named, “Our Royal Patron HRH The Duchess of Sussex,” has been renamed, “Our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex.” Nevertheless, their Sussex Royal website and Instagram pages are still active.
Talking about the same, a spokesperson said in a statement, “While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organization, given the specific U.K. government rules surrounding the use of the word ‘Royal,’ it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organization when it is announced this Spring, will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation." The statement added that while they retain their “HRH” prefix, they “will no longer actively use their HRH titles, as they will no longer be working members of the family as of Spring 2020.”
In a post on their website titled “Spring 2020 Transition,” they wrote that the revised role of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will take effect Spring 2020 and undergo a 12-month review and added, "As agreed and set out in January, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will retain their “HRH” prefix, thereby formally remaining known as His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer actively use their HRH titles as they will no longer be working members of the family as of Spring 2020."
Back in February, Prince Harry visited the Travalyst working summit in Edinburgh, Scotland, and asked to be introduced simply as "Harry" and Smart Works’ changes seem to have followed suit after that incident. The event was followed by their final official appearance as senior royals alongside Kate Middleton, Prince William and the rest of the royal family for the annual Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9.
However, the post also says, "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to require effective security to protect them and their son. 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. No further details can be shared as this is classified information for safety reasons."
The Queen has said that Meghan, Harry and Archie are “much-loved members of the family,” and their son Archie's first birthday celebrations may also bring the family together.