The 'Half-In, Half-Out' Royal Dream That Was Denied
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, had their ambitions for a unique role within the monarchy firmly rejected, setting the stage for a public fallout. The couple had passionately hoped to establish a 'half-in, half-out' approach to royal life, a hybrid model that would allow them to pursue financial independence while retaining some official duties. This proposal was ultimately turned down by the late Queen Elizabeth II, a decision that reportedly left the couple deeply upset.
A Statement of 'Spiteful Fury' and Simmering Resentment
According to royal biographer Tom Bower, the depth of the Sussexes' discontent became glaringly public in a remarkable 1,114-word statement posted on their official website in February 2020. Mr Bower characterised this communication as being written with 'spiteful fury' and described it as 'rude to the Queen'. He told the Daily Mail that the statement barely concealed the couple's 'simmering resentment' against other members of the family.
The statement, issued as their lives as working royals were set to end on 31 March 2020, took a pointed swipe at the monarchy's authority. It explicitly claimed that 'the Queen had no jurisdiction' to prevent them from using the word 'royal' in their branding overseas. Despite this assertion, they conceded they would not use 'Sussex Royal' or any iteration of the word after their transition in spring 2020.
Furthermore, the statement was interpreted as containing a subtle dig at Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, referred to as 'minor royals', highlighting perceived inconsistencies in how different family members were treated regarding external employment.
The Aftermath: Monetisation and Mounting Criticism
The fallout from this period continues to resonate. Mr Bower claimed that during the so-called Sandringham Summit in January 2020, Harry had assured his family the couple would 'never' use their royal titles to make money. However, this alleged promise was seemingly broken less than a month later when Harry flew to Miami for a lucrative JP Morgan event. Palace officials were said to be 'aghast' at this engagement, which Mr Bower suggested was 'exactly the commercialisation of the monarchy' Harry had vowed to avoid.
Recent events have reignited these criticisms. Meghan has faced accusations of continuing to capitalise on her royal connections through her lifestyle brand. A promotional clip for her Christmas range featured a notebook with her royal cypher—a monogram with the letter 'M' and a crown unveiled before her 2018 wedding—clearly visible. She has also launched a new candle, 'No 519', inspired by the 'ease and joy' of her wedding day on May 19.
This has prompted royal watchers to question why the couple continue to leverage their royal links, given their decision to quit royal life over five years ago and their subsequent public criticisms of the institution. The initial plan for the 'Sussex Royal' brand, which amassed 11.2 million Instagram followers, was ultimately quashed by the Queen and senior officials, a move a source described as 'inevitable' given their step back from duties.
