The arrangement means that neither Prince Harry, or his wife, Meghan Markle, can carry out duties on behalf of the Queen, until the measures are reviewed in twelve months’ time. Additionally, they are seeking financial independence and have decided to split their time between the UK and North America, where they are currently staying in Tyler Perry’s Los Angeles mansion amid the coronavirus lockdown.
The beginning of the summer season means the couple can no longer use the word ‘Royal’ n Sussex Royal – undoubtedly a sad day for Prince Harry who has carried the title since birth.
A spokesman for the couple said it was agreed that the word “royal” could no longer be used due to UK Government rules.
Applications to trademark the Sussex Royal brand name, which is the name of their Instagram account, were also withdrawn.
A statement on the couple’s Sussex Royal website says that “given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word ‘Royal’, it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organisation will not utilise the name ‘Sussex Royal’ or any other iteration of ‘Royal.’”
Royal writer Robert Hardman told Radio 4 that the decision around the brand name was a “setback” for the couple.
He said: “They have spent a great deal of money registering the trademarks.”
A spokeswoman for the Sussexes said: “While the Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organisation, given the specific UK Government rules surrounding the use of the word royal, it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organisation will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘Sussex Royal’ in any territory post-spring 2020.”
The couple’s non-profit organisation has been named Archewell in the absence of Sussex Royal.
He said: “I firmly believe that there is an even greater future ahead for the Endeavour Fund.
“Our ambition is to build on what has been achieved – to expand the Endeavour Fund further so that its impact can be felt around the world.”
Jack Knauf, chief executive of The Royal Foundation added: “The Endeavour Fund has played an important role in ensuring that those injured in service have the opportunity to rediscover their self-belief and fighting spirit through physical challenges over the years.
“The Royal Foundation is proud of its role in creating both Endeavour Fund and the Invictus Games, and the impact that both have had on the WIS community. We look forward to seeing their continued success, together.”
Prince Harry’s armed forces background influenced much of his work as a senior royal, and is likely to continue doing so in his private life.
Several of his final engagements revolved around his military work.
David Wiseman, who competed in the Invictus Games in London 2014 said: “The whole world has changed in recent months, but the spirit of Invictus and the Endeavour Fund has always emanated from overcoming adversity and fostering post-traumatic growth.
“The Endeavour Fund will evolve in its new home and in the post COVID environment, but what will not change is our support to recovery, rehabilitation and growth through the power of sport and adventurous challenging.”
