Meghan and Harry should STOP using Sussex Royal brand, says Queen's aide: 'You are either royal or you are not'
According to Queen Elizabeth's senior advisor on ceremonial matters, it would be unsatisfactory if Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continued to use the Sussex Royal brand after stepping down as senior royals. Thomas Woodcock, Garter Principal King of Arms, bears the responsibility of ensuring that royal symbols are not wrongly used commercially.
Earlier this week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their withdrawal from the royal family. According to their terms of negotiation, the couple will not use their HRH titles for personal gain henceforth.
Nonetheless, the couple sparked a backlash after launching their website titled "sussexroyal.com" just moments after the announcement. They already have an Instagram account named "Sussexroyal."
"I don't think it's satisfactory. One cannot be two things at once. You either are [royal] or you're not," Woodcock told The Times.
While the principal advisor to the Queen on heraldry and ceremonial matters is currently being consulted on future plans, the final decision will be taken by the Queen. "It is such unusual times that it is a matter of waiting and seeing how things develop," he added.
Prince Harry flew down to Canada last night to reunite with his wife Meghan and son Archie, marking the beginning of their new life in the North American country. The prince missed his brother William's first solo reception at Buckingham Palace on Monday evening. Furthermore, the event was not attended by Prince Charles nor the Queen.
The Duke of Cambridge was, however, supported by his wife Kate, Prince Edward, his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Princess Anne at the summit reception. They collectively welcomed at least 21 African delegates to the Queen's London home.
William and Kate oozed confidence despite the drama of the past fortnight, smiling as they received a line of visiting Heads of State and their partners in the Music Room.
"My grandmother is sorry not to be here this evening, but she has asked me to pass on her warmest wishes to you all," the Duke said in a warm and intimate speech, welcoming the ministers from 21 African nations to Britain.
Across the Atlantic, Meghan was snapped taking her dogs for a walk with Archie just a few miles from their oceanfront residence where she has spent the past two months on Canada's Vancouver Island. The Duchess of Sussex was spotted holding her eight-month-old son on her chest while being flanked by her two dogs -- a black lab Oz and a beagle Guy -- as she waited for her husband's arrival.