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Harry and Meghan forced to drop Sussex Royal brand after Queen hired lawyers to ban its use for financial gain

The official website also dispelled rumors that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wanted to start a 'foundation'
UPDATED FEB 22, 2020
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will no longer be known as Sussex Royal after they step back from royal duties on March 31. The announcement was made on their website a day after certain media reports claimed Meghan had told her friends that there was nothing legally stopping her from using the 'Sussex Royal' name.

They were forced to make the embarrassing climbdown after the Queen hired top lawyers to ban them from using the brand. It is believed the Queen, in an unprecedented move, brought in senior legal advisers to outline the case enshrined in UK law banning the use of the word “royal” for financial gain, the Mirror claimed.

However, experts say there's not much the Queen can do if Harry and Meghan decide to use 'Sussex Royal' in the US. But in their statement, the couple has confirmed that they will not use the brand anywhere in the world.

“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,” the website stated.

The update also dispelled rumors that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wanted to start a "foundation." Instead, it said the pair always intended "to develop a new way to effect change and complement the efforts made by so many excellent foundations globally."

"While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organization, 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 website added.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House on January 7, 2020, in London. (Getty Images)

At the same time, the website said it was “saddening” for the couple to let go of their staff, as part of the transition following Megxit.

“Based on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s desire to have a reduced role as members of The Royal Family, it was decided in January that their Institutional Office would have to be closed, given the primary funding mechanism for this official office at Buckingham Palace is from HRH The Prince of Wales. The Duke and Duchess shared this news with their team personally in January once they knew of the decision, and have worked closely with their staff to ensure a smooth transition for each of them,” the website stated. 

It added: “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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