Meghan Markle's Title Use Sparks Controversy Amidst Royal Scrutiny

Meghan Markle has stirred up fresh controversy by employing her royal title in a manner that potentially violates the terms of her agreement with the late Queen, following their departure from royal duties. During a recent podcast interview with Jamie Kern Lima, a cosmetics entrepreneur, it was revealed that Meghan, aged 43, signed a card as "H.R.H The Duchess of Sussex." This action contradicts the 2020 agreement stipulating that she and Prince Harry would cease using their HRH titles. The revelation emerged when the host shared a gift basket she received from Meghan, containing ice cream and homemade strawberry sauce. A photograph of the accompanying note showed Meghan using the HRH styling, a practice they had agreed to discontinue after stepping back from royal responsibilities.

According to reports, royal author Ingrid Seward stated that the late Queen Elizabeth II would have been "highly offended" by this action. Seward noted that the Queen had previously removed the use of HRH from Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson, although the titles technically remained. Seward added that the Queen would not have considered it appropriate. However, with the Queen's passing, Harry and Meghan may believe they can act with more freedom. A spokesperson for the Sussexes has maintained that they do not use their HRH titles. Nevertheless, the use of the styling, even informally, has drawn attention. The agreement reached at Sandringham in 2020 with the late Queen and royal officials stipulated that the couple would stop using the word "Royal" and avoid exploiting their royal connections.

This is not the first time Meghan and Harry have faced criticism on this matter. The launch of their "Sussex.com" website last year, which features their royal crest, also drew criticism. Royal experts accused them of capitalizing on their royal status while simultaneously criticizing the institution. In the same interview, Meghan also discussed her life outside the royal spotlight. She expressed that she and Harry are finally experiencing a "honeymoon" period after years of public scrutiny.

Reflecting on their early relationship, she stated that they "immediately went into the trenches together." She added that now, seven years later, with some breathing space, they can enjoy each other in a new way. She praised Harry's dedication to protecting their family, describing him as "a fox" and "very handsome," while emphasizing that his "heart is even more beautiful." Meghan also became emotional while discussing her children, Archie and Lilibet, revealing that she writes them "secret emails" filled with memories to give them when they are older. Despite rumors of a potential memoir, she stated during the interview that she has "a lot more life to live before" she would consider writing one.