MEGHAN MARKLE and Prince Harry announced their decision to step down as senior members of the Royal Family six months ago – and the Duke lost a big part of him today, June 1.
The arrangement means that neither Prince Harry, or his wife, Meghan Markle, can carry out duties on behalf of the Queen, until the measures are reviewed in twelve months’ time. Additionally, they are seeking financial independence and have decided to split their time between the UK and North America, where they are currently staying in Tyler Perry’s Los Angeles mansion.
Today, the beginning of the summer season, means the couple can no longer use the word ‘Royal’ n Sussex Royal – undoubtedly a sad day for Prince Harry who has carried the title since birth.
A spokesperson for the couple said it was agreed that the word “royal” could no longer be used due to UK Government rules.
Applications to trademark the Sussex Royal brand name, which is the name of their Instagram account, were also withdrawn.
A statement on the couple’s Sussex Royal website says that “given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word ‘Royal’, it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organisation will not utilise the name ‘Sussex Royal’ or any other iteration of ‘Royal.’”
Prince Harry will no longer be able to use the title ‘Sussex Royal’ (Image: Getty)
The Duke and Duchess have stepped down from their roles as senior royals (Image: Getty)
Royal writer Robert Hardman told BBC Radio 4 that the decision around the brand name was a “setback” for the couple.
He said: “They have spent a great deal of money registering the trademarks.”
A spokeswoman for the Sussexes 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 that their non-profit organisation will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘Sussex Royal’ in any territory post-spring 2020.”
The couple’s non-profit organisation has been named Archewell in the absence of Sussex Royal.
The Invictus Games have always held special significance for Prince Harry (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, one of Prince Harry’s favourite royal projects has been transferred away from the Royal Foundation, it has been announced.
The Endeavour Fund, which Prince Harry set up to award grants to wounded, injured and sick former service personnel, has been transferred to another one of his projects, the Invictus Games.
The Games is a multi-sport event for injured former service men and women, and its event in March was one of the last engagements the Duke and Duchess attended as royals.
The Prince hinted at changes to the Endeavour Fund when he gave his speech in March’s awards ceremony.
The couple are now living in Los Angeles, north America (Image: Getty)
He said: “I firmly believe that there is an even greater future ahead for the Endeavour Fund.
“Our ambition is to build on what has been achieved – to expand the Endeavour Fund further so that its impact can be felt around the world.”
Jack Knauf, chief executive of The Royal Foundation added: “The Endeavour Fund has played an important role in ensuring that those injured in service have the opportunity to rediscover their self-belief and fighting spirit through physical challenges over the years.
“The Royal Foundation is proud of its role in creating both Endeavour Fund and the Invictus Games, and the impact that both have had on the WIS community. We look forward to seeing their continued success, together.”
Prince Harry’s armed forces background influenced much of his work as a senior royal, and is likely to continue doing so in his private life.
Several of his final engagements revolved around his military work.
David Wiseman, who competed in the Invictus Games in London 2014 said: “The whole world has changed in recent months, but the spirit of Invictus and the Endeavour Fund has always emanated from overcoming adversity and fostering post-traumatic growth.
“The Endeavour Fund will evolve in its new home and in the post COVID environment, but what will not change is our support to recovery, rehabilitation and growth through the power of sport and adventurous challenging.”
Source: EXPRESS CO UK
