Meghan Markle’s Use of Her ‘HRH’ Title in a Personal Gift Raises Questions. Here’s the Royal Rule Behind It

Meghan Markle’s Use of ‘HRH’ Title in Personal Gift Sparks Interest in Royal Protocol

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, recently made headlines when a personalized note featuring her “HRH” title came to light over a year after she gifted it to a friend. Despite stepping back from their working royal roles in 2020, Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, still technically hold the titles of “His/Her Royal Highness,” even though they have chosen not to use them publicly or for commercial purposes.

This royal arrangement was part of the agreement reached between Prince Harry, Meghan, and Queen Elizabeth when they decided to scale back as senior working royals in 2020. In an official statement at the time, a spokesperson for the Sussexes clarified that while they retain their titles of ‘His/Her Royal Highness,’ they would no longer actively use their ‘HRH’ titles.

The discussion around Meghan’s use of her ‘HRH’ title resurfaced during her recent appearance as a podcast guest on The Jamie Kern Lima Show. Host Jamie Kern Lima reminisced about a time when Meghan delivered a gift basket to her home, which included a note that read, “With compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.” This personal gesture seemed to reflect Meghan’s continued association with her royal title.

Although Meghan and Harry have refrained from using their HRH titles for public or commercial purposes, their formal titles remain intact. The note attached to the gift basket, which consisted of organic ice cream and homemade jam, was evidently part of a private, personal exchange rather than a business-related transaction.

During the podcast episode, Kern Lima also revealed how Meghan went the extra mile by surprising her 6-year-old daughter Wonder with a thoughtful gift. The Duchess of Sussex presented Wonder with a personalised board labelled ‘Chef Wonder,’ showcasing Meghan’s attention to detail and thoughtfulness in her gift-giving.

As the husband of Meghan and son of the future King Charles, Prince Harry inherited his royal title and HRH status by birth. On their wedding day on May 19, 2018, Meghan was bestowed with the title of Duchess of Sussex and the ‘HRH’ appellation.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are currently residing in California, where they are raising their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. In a recent interview, Meghan expressed the significance of sharing the ‘Sussex’ name as a family, emphasising the importance it holds for her and her children.

Meghan’s choice to incorporate her royal title in personal gifts showcases her continued connection to her royal heritage, despite their decision to step back from their senior royal roles. It highlights the complexities of navigating life outside the traditional royal framework while still honouring their heritage and titles.