Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has reignited debate over royal protocol after reportedly using her 'HRH' title on a gift card sent to a podcast host. The card, accompanying a hamper to Jamie Kern Lima, read: “With the compliments of HRH, The Duchess of Sussex.” This follows Meghan’s appearance on Lima’s podcast, where she discussed topics including her children and her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
The use of the HRH (Her Royal Highness) title appears to contradict the terms agreed upon during the January 2020 'Sandringham Summit', which shaped the couple’s exit from senior royal duties. At that meeting, attended by Queen Elizabeth II, then-Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry, it was agreed that the couple would retain their HRH titles but would no longer actively use them. This was later confirmed in a statement on the Sussexes’ website.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes has denied that Meghan uses the HRH title. However, this is not the first time the couple has faced scrutiny over their use of royal connections since stepping back from duties. In her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, Meghan corrected actress Mindy Kaling for calling her 'Meghan Markle', insisting she now uses the surname 'Sussex', sharing it with her children.
The couple has also incorporated royal emblems in their branding. Their website, sussex.com, features Meghan’s coat of arms and their joint cypher. Meghan wore a signet ring with the monogram at the Invictus Games in February. Additionally, their children, Archie and Lilibet, were granted prince and princess titles upon King Charles’s accession, with the couple confirming Lilibet’s title after her christening in March 2023.
