Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seem to have quietly reclaimed their Royal titles as part of their website’s recent rebrand.
The move, which comes at a ‘sensitive’ time for the Royal Family, has baffled many, including Royal experts.
Expert Duncan Larcombe spoke to Metro.co.uk and said while the reaction to the rebrand is ‘understandable’, the rebrand plans have most likely been planned for ‘sometime now’.
He explained: ‘Using the royal crest is quite a provocative move. When Harry and Meghan told the late Queen they were heading off and then leaving Britain for good, they were told in no uncertain terms that the titles of HRH would go, and they weren’t to effectively cash in on royal status.
‘They were either in or out. But they seem to be defying – and have defied it for pretty much ever since.
‘The crest on the website, in particular, will test King Charles’ patience and will show how prepared they are to let Harry and Meghan get away with blatantly cashing in on their royal status.’
Another Royal expert, Richard Fitzwilliams, told Metro.co.uk the timing of the rebrand was strange.
He explained: ‘It’s up to the Sussexes what they want to do with their coat of arms and their titles. But what is very strange is they’ve chosen this time to do it. It’s a very sensitive time for the royal family.’
Mr Fitzwilliams said it is ‘curious’ the rebrand doesn’t seem to be ‘highlighting anything new’, adding: ‘It’s unclear what precisely the purpose of this is.
‘They certainly place value on their titles and coat of arms, but what we need to know is what they want to do in the future.
‘What will they be producing documentaries? Will, will she be acting, will she get into politics? What is the purpose?’
The rebrand has been seen as a strategic move to reconnect with Prince Harry and Meghan’s audience.
The California-based couple have now replaced their old Archewell website with Sussex.com that includes their biographies and lists their recent activities.
This comes just days after the prince – who is fifth in line to the throne – rushed to London to visit King Charles after his cancer diagnosis.
Prince Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal duties in early 2020, in favour of a ‘quieter’ life away from the spotlight.
Yet Mr Larcombe says there has been ‘no desire’ shown by them to have the quiet life they left the monarchy for.
He added: ‘They’ve got plans. And they’re plowing on ahead with it, so I think it’s quite a cynical move by them both. But it’s not surprising.’
The relaunch comes as the couple are scheduled to travel to Canada this week for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025’s One Year to Go celebrations.
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