Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have launched a new website, Sussex.com, to showcase their work and projects, but they could face legal action from the Palace over the use of their royal titles and crest. The couple, who stepped back as senior royals in 2020 and moved to the US, have replaced their Archewell site with Sussex.com, which features their biographies, news updates, and links to their Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions.
However, royal sources have warned that the couple are in breach of the agreement they made with the Queen when they quit their royal duties, which forbids them from using their titles and crest for commercial purposes. The sources said that the Palace could take legal action to shut down the website and strip the couple of their titles if they do not comply.
One source told the Daily Mail: “They are going to have real trouble with the use of Sussex. It is a royal title and if there is any hint of commercialism about this it will be shut down. It’s just staggering they cannot see how gauche it is.”
Another source told the Sun: “The Palace are watching this very closely. There is a feeling that Harry and Meghan are trying to have their cake and eat it. They want to be royals and have all the benefits that come with it, but also do their own thing and make money from their brand. That is not how it works.”
The website, which went live on Monday, has a minimalist design and features a large photograph of the couple at the 2023 Invictus Games as the background. The homepage reads: “The office of Prince Harry & Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.” The website also displays their coat of arms, which was granted to them by the Queen in 2018.
According to Express, The website’s launch comes amid rumours that the couple are looking for new deals and partnerships after their contracts with Spotify and Netflix expired. The couple signed a £18 million deal with Spotify in 2020 to produce podcasts, but only released one episode. They also signed a £80 million deal with Netflix in 2020 to produce documentaries, films, and shows, but have not released any content yet.
The couple have also faced criticism and backlash for their controversial interviews, books, and statements, in which they accused the royal family of being neglectful, racist, and trapped in their roles. They also claimed that they were cut off financially by Prince Charles, that they felt “let down” by him, and that they had a “space” in their relationship with Prince William.
The couple’s relationship with the royal family has been strained and tense, and they have not returned to the UK since March 2020, when they attended their final royal engagements. They have also missed several important family events, such as Prince Philip’s funeral, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and Prince George’s birthday.
The couple have said that they want to continue their public service and their charitable work, but that they also want to live a more private and peaceful life with their two children, Archie and Lilibet. However, their new website has raised questions about their intentions and their respect for the monarchy.
