Prince Harry, Meghan Markle respond after Duchess ignites 'HRH' controversy
The Duchess of Sussex drew backlash after using the title 'Her Royal Highness' despite denouncing royal duties
Meghan Markle’s team is pushing back after a resurfaced gift card reignited debate over her use of the HRH title.
According to Hello! Magazine, representatives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex swiftly clarified that the couple “do not use” their HRH titles, i.e., “His/ Her Royal Highness.”
The controversy began when a photo emerged showing a note reading “with the compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex,” attached to a care package Meghan reportedly sent to her friend, Jamie Kern Lima.
The image appeared during Meghan’s first podcast interview with Lima, who described receiving a basket of treats, including homemade strawberry sauce and ice cream, “about a year ago.”
Given the couple’s 2020 agreement with Queen Elizabeth II to step back from royal duties — and stop actively using their HRH titles — the note quickly drew criticism.
“The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family,” said a statement from Buckingham Palace at the time.
However, while Meghan and Harry retain their HRH prefixes, they “do not” actively use the titles as working royals.
Harry and Meghan even acknowledged this on their website, affirming that they would no longer use “Royal” in their branding after stepping down.
Although there was no formal legal restriction on using the term, it was widely understood that the couple would avoid it following the late Queen’s guidance.
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