Meghan Markle and Prince Harry issued a statement that was perceived as spiteful and offensive to the late Queen, according to royal author Tom Bower. The statement, released when the couple stepped back from royal duties, addressed their dissatisfaction with their treatment and the decision-making process, asserting the monarchy had no authority to prevent them from using the term 'royal' overseas.
Bower claims this announcement barely concealed their resentment towards other family members, including a subtle jab at minor royals like Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. This event follows tensions when the couple was forced to drop their "SussexRoyal" brand ambitions.
The controversy around their use of royal status for commercial projects has resurfaced with Meghan using her royal cipher in branding for her lifestyle company, As Ever. This includes a notebook displaying her cipher and a candle commemorating their wedding anniversary.
Royal supporters question her continued use of the cipher given her grievances about her time within the institution. Royal author Tom Bower has long expressed concerns about the "monetizing the monarchy." The Duke and Duchess stepped back from royal duties in March 2020 to achieve financial independence.
In the statement released two months prior, they expressed their discontent. While they initially intended to use the "Sussex Royal" brand, the Queen and senior officials determined they would need to relinquish their title.
The Queen's decision was seen as inevitable given their decision to step down and their pursuit of commercial opportunities, as they could not market themselves as royals while not carrying out official duties. The couple's original plan of being "half-in, half-out" working royals was not considered viable.
