Meghan Markle & Prince Harry No Longer Addressed as HRH amid Royal Title Backlash

Reflecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's ongoing journey towards new chapters in their lives, they embrace simpler forms of address, moving away from traditional titles. The Invictus Games, a cause close to their hearts, becomes a backdrop for this significant transition.

In a reaffirmation of their evolving roles within the British Royal Family, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will no longer be addressed by their "His and Her Royal Highness" titles. This decision underscores ongoing dialogues surrounding royal nomenclature.

The protocol shift was recently spotlighted by Scott Moore, a seasoned Canadian broadcaster and now CEO of the Invictus Games, set to be hosted in Vancouver and Whistler next year. Acknowledging the significance of this change, Scott shared insights into his preparations for an upcoming royal encounter.

Scott, in preparation for his meeting with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—ardent advocates for the Invictus Games—remarked, "I did make sure to ask how I should be addressing them when they get here, and I was told the simple sir and ma’am is fine."

The news emerges as Prince Harry and Meghan visit British Columbia this week for the Invictus Games participating nations camp. This assembly will convene athletes and coaches from 19 countries for training in sports, including the newly introduced winter sports for the 2025 Games like alpine skiing, snowboarding, skeleton, biathlon, and wheelchair curling.

This distancing from their royal titles is part of a broader transition for the couple, who, in January 2020, before Queen Elizabeth II's passing, announced on the Sussex Royal website their intention to forge a "progressive new role" within the royal institution. They detailed their plan to step back as senior members of the Royal Family, aiming for financial independence while continuing their full support for Her Majesty The Queen.

Their statement also highlighted their intention to split their time between the UK and North America, a decision aimed at allowing their son, Prince Archie, to grow with an appreciation of his royal lineage while also focusing on the family's forthcoming chapter, including the launch of their then-new charitable endeavor. The signage at the end of their letter read, "Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex."

In a statement before her death, Queen Elizabeth II voiced her support for Prince Harry, Meghan, and Prince Archie's new direction, appreciating the constructive path forward they had carved out. She recognized the intense scrutiny they faced and expressed her pride in Meghan's swift integration into the family.

"Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family," she noted, expressing hope that the agreement would foster a "happy and peaceful new life" for them. As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle navigate their redefined roles beyond traditional royal expectations, their engagement with initiatives like the Invictus Games highlights their continued commitment to public service and community support.

This transition reflects a modern approach to balancing royal duties with personal autonomy, marking another significant chapter for the couple and the Royal Family.

As previously reported on February 13:

Since stepping back from royal duties and moving to America, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal-related actions have been scrutinized. Their recent website launch, transitioning from using Sussex Royal as their URL to simply Sussex, has drawn attention for maintaining their royal titles on the landing page.

This move has sparked debates on Twitter, with some users questioning the necessity of these titles for the couple's work and others calling for the titles to be removed, highlighting their disconnection from the monarchy.

Upon entering their new website, internet users are greeted with the line "THE OFFICE OF PRINCE HARRY & MEGHAN THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF SUSSEX." Some frustrated social media users took their sentiments to Twitter and aired their thoughts.

"They hold no official offices, they are not connected to the monarchy or the royal family with their work in any way," another X user pointed out.

"They need their titles removed from them," a third protested, highlighting how Prince Harry and Meghan are profiting through the royal titles without honoring the royal family.

A fourth person wondered if it was legal for those who have left their royal duties to still hold the same title. "They have gotten away with too much already," the person wrote.

The new website features information about the couple, recent news, and links to their Archwell Foundation and Archwell Productions websites, differing from their former website's focus on the three topics: supporting the community, serving the Monarchy, and strengthening the Commonwealth.

Most recently, Prince Harry flew to London after his father's cancer diagnosis was revealed publicly. Meanwhile, his wife stayed home in California to take care of their two children.