Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently updated their public branding in a move that royal experts say the wider public is rejecting. By listing themselves as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and using the royal surname for their children, the couple appears eager to retain their royal ties despite stepping back from official duties. However, public opinion suggests this rebranding is backfiring.
Clinging To Royal Status After Exit?
As royal commentator Josh Rom noted, using Sussex royal branding years after exiting working roles “brings the word ‘grifter’ to mind” for many. He elaborated on Sky News: “This is them trying to keep in with this institution in some way, shape or form…that’s the only way in which they’re going to retain relevancy.”
In Rom’s view, the couple relies on residual public interest in the British monarchy to stay influential after their dramatic exit. Yet increasingly, the public perceives Prince Harry and Meghan Markle efforts to capitalize on royal status without royal responsibility as opportunistic.
The issue came to light after the Sussexes updated their website, now referring to themselves as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They also gave their children, Archie and Lilibet, the last name “Sussex” to emphasize their connection to Prince Harry’s royal lineage.
Wider Public Rejects Rebrand
Rom was joined by other experts on Sky News’ segment “Why the World is Rejecting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s rebrand.” The overarching consensus was clear: the public is swiftly losing tolerance for the couple’s attempts to straddle royalty across the pond while chasing fame and fortune in North America.
This growing rejection has played out amid Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s separation in professional paths as well. After a string of joint media ventures like the Spotify podcast and Netflix deal saw lackluster success, Meghan Markle has branched into solo podcasting with Lemonade Media.
For many British citizens and royal watchers worldwide, the Sussex’s rebrand smacks of wanting the glamour of royalty without the public service. As one expert summed up, “They left the working family, why would they continue using the titles?”
Overall, the Sussex’s attempts to reinforce their royal branding so long after leaving duties have backfired. Rather than enhancing A-list credibility, it’s invited criticism of misusing royal privilege for financial gain. If the couple aimed to refresh their image in preparation for King Charles’ coronation, this strategy has sorely missed the mark.
Moving forward, the public seems to agree; either commit fully to royalty and return to the fold, or build an identity independent of inherited titles. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s awkward balancing act between fame and tradition has overstayed its welcome.