Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Rebrand: Dropping the Royal Moniker

In a surprising move, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially launched their new website, Sussex.com, signaling a significant shift in their public persona.

The couple's decision to drop the “Royal” from their previous web address, SussexRoyal.com, has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about their intentions.

Why the change, and what does it mean for their future?

The couple made headlines this week as they unveiled Sussex.com, marking a departure from their original royal branding.

Fans were quick to notice the omission of the word “royal,” a change that seems more than just cosmetic.

Since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess have been navigating a complex landscape of regulations regarding their titles and branding.

When they resigned as working royals, the UK government explicitly stated that while they could retain their titles, they could no longer use “Royal” in connection with their charitable endeavors.

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan clarified that although they are focused on launching a new nonprofit, the name “Sussex Royal Foundation” would not be used due to these restrictions.

Interestingly, it raises questions about why they waited nearly four years to fully drop the royal branding.

The term “royal” is proprietary and comes with legal implications, especially if it suggests a connection to royal family products or services.

This could mean that any business ventures they pursue might be hindered by their previous royal affiliations.

After stepping down, Harry and Meghan initially redirected traffic from SussexRoyal.com to their Archewell site.

However, that page has since disappeared, replaced entirely by Sussex.com, which now serves as the primary hub for their personal brand.

Here, they highlight their individual contributions and advocacy work, shifting the focus away from their royal past.

On Sussex.com, Prince Harry is celebrated as a humanitarian, military veteran, and mental health advocate, while Meghan is recognized for her work as a feminist and a champion of human rights.

However, there's a noticeable lack of emphasis on their children, with only a brief mention of their life in California.

While the new site aligns more with their personal identities, it also includes a link to their former royal website.

This connection serves as a reminder of their time within the royal family, though it clarifies that the information pertains solely to their past roles as working royals.

However, not everyone is pleased with their rebranding efforts.

Royal commentator Angela Levin expressed her disapproval, suggesting that the couple is still leveraging their royal connections despite claiming to distance themselves from the monarchy.

She believes that Queen Elizabeth II would be displeased, as Harry and Meghan had previously promised to sever ties with royal branding.

This ongoing tension between their past as royals and their current pursuits raises intriguing questions about their future trajectory.

As they carve out their own identities, the couple seems eager to establish a brand that reflects their values and ambitions without the royal label.

The launch of Sussex.com marks a pivotal moment in Harry and Meghan's journey, indicating their desire to move forward while navigating the complexities of their royal history.