Meghan and Harry can still cash in on Sussex Royal brand as they keep their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle can still cash in on the Sussex Royal brand after keeping their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
The couple will no longer use the HRH titles after it was agreed they could step back as working royals in order to split their time between the UK and Canada.
Buckingham Palace last night revealed the details of Megxit agreement between the royal couple, including a statement that said they no longer represent the Queen.
They will keep their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles because it was wedding gift from her.
Their names will now be re-styled as Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
It mirrors the re-styling of Prince Harry's late mother after she divorced from Prince Charles and became Diana, Princess of Wales.
It is understood that in return for dropping the use of the HRH titles, there will be no oversight on how the couple earn money, meaning they can make whatever commercial deals they want.
The couple applied to trademark the "Sussex Royal" brand, something they have been building over the past few years.
The application was published in December and included items such as books, clothing, charitable fundraising, education and social-care services.
If no-one objects the trademark could be registered as early as February.
They'll be allowed to continue to use their Sussex Royal branding for now as Buckingham Palace could not say tonight whether they would be blocked from using it.
Statement in full
From Her Majesty The Queen:
Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family.
Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.
I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.
I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.
It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.
From Buckingham Palace:
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments.
They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties.
With The Queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations. While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.
The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home.
Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements.
There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly- funded security.
This new model will take effect in the Spring of 2020.
Nick Bullen, the editor-in-chief on True Royalty TV, told : "Brand Sussex is a global brand and could end up making an absolute fortune, from public speaking to Meghan reinventing her lifestyle blog, to merchandising or brand endorsements."
The future of the couple's new website venture is unclear as it is not known if they will keep the "Sussex Royal" name if they are no longer part of working royals.
Their website, sussexroyal.com, was swiftly updated after tonight's statement saying: "In line with the statement by Her Majesty The Queen, information on the roles and work of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be updated on this website in due course."
Buckingham Palace last night revealed the details of Megxit but didn't directly address the issue of who will pay for their security.
This new arrangement is expected to be rolled out this spring, meaning they will be carrying out royal engagements and Meghan will be returning to the UK.
In a statement it was announced the royal couple will repay the £2.4million spent on Frogmore Cottage and it "will remain their UK family home".
It is understood Prince Charles will continue to privately fund for the upkeep of their home, but it is not clear if it will be through his Duchy of Cornwall coffers.
Last year, Prince Harry and Prince William shared about £5million, and £2.3million of that went to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Harry and Meghan will "no longer receive public funds for Royal duties" as they are stepping back as senior royals.
Prince Harry will lose his Captain General of Marines, Hon Air Commandant, Commodore-In-Chief and Youth Ambassador titles.
The Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations, but they "no longer formally represent The Queen".
The palace did not comment on the details regarding Prince Harry and Meghan's security arrangements, but said there "are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security".
A royal expert told The Sun Online that the British taxpayer could be the ones footing the bill.
After a year the Megxit deal will be reviewed again by the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William.
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In a separate message yesterday, the Queen said she was pleased that "a constructive and supportive way forward" had been found and reiterated that Prince Harry, Meghan and baby Archie "will always be much loved members of my family".
Her Majesty wished them a "happy and peaceful new life" after mentioning the Duchess separately.
The Queen said: "I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family."
