Harry and Meghan will not use 'Sussex Royal' after Spring 2020

Robert Jobson21 February 2020

The Queen has won her battle “royal” against Harry and Meghan over the use of their brand.

She has ruled that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex cannot use the “Sussex Royal” label for their charity and commercial activities.

A Sussex spokesperson said: “While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organisation, given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word ‘Royal’, it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organisation, when it is announced this Spring, will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘SussexRoyal’ in any territory post Spring 2020.

“Therefore the trademark applications that were filed as protective measures, acting on advice from and following the same model for The Royal Foundation, have been removed."

The Queen has won the 'battle royal'
Getty/PA

Harry and Meghan set up the website of sussexroyal.com which was registered in March 2019 and detailed the couple's plans for their roles in the monarchy and relationship with the media.

The @SussexRoyal Instagram account, started in April 2019, has since amassed 11.2 million followers.

It is another set back for the couple who announced they were quitting a senior royals in January and want to use their celebrity to become self funding.

The move follows consultation with the Queen and senior aides and the couple.

The Queen is understood to have felt Harry and Meghan using the word “royal” for commercial activities was untenable.

Meghan Markle: The Duchess of Sussex - In pictures

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It comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex look set to end their time as senior royals at the Commonwealth Service next month.

The couple confirmed on Wednesday they will formally step down from March 31, and will return to the UK from Canada for a series of events in late February and early March.

Harry and Meghan also vowed not to turn their back on the country, with a Sussex spokesman saying they “will be in the United Kingdom regularly”.

Six events make up the couple's list of final royal engagements, with the last one being the Commonwealth Service on March 9, when they will join the Queen at Westminster Abbey.

Their office at Buckingham Palace will close from March 31.

Harry is also expected to take centre stage and attend the London Marathon in April, as Patron. Both The Duke and Duchess will also attend the Invictus Games.

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