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Harry and
Meghan's statement on their website in full
AS AGREED
AND SET OUT IN JANUARY 2020:
It is
agreed that the commencement of the revised role of The Duke and Duchess of
Sussex will take effect Spring 2020 and undergo a 12 month review.
The Royal
Family respect and understand the wish of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to
live a more independent life as a family, by removing the supposed ‘public
interest’ justification for media intrusion into their lives. They remain a
valued part of Her Majesty’s family.
The Duke
and Duchess of Sussex will become privately funded members of The Royal Family
with permission to earn their own income and the ability to pursue their own
private charitable interests.
The
preference of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex was to continue to represent and
support Her Majesty The Queen albeit in a more limited capacity, while not
drawing on the Sovereign Grant.
While there
is precedent for other titled members of the Royal Family to seek employment
outside of the institution, for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a 12-month
review period has been put in place.
Per the
agreement The Duke and Duchess of Sussex understand that they are required to
step back from Royal duties and not undertake representative duties on behalf
of Her Majesty The Queen.
As agreed
and set out in January, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will retain their “HRH”
prefix, thereby formally remaining known as His Royal Highness The Duke of
Sussex and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. The Duke and Duchess of
Sussex will no longer actively use their HRH titles as they will no longer be
working members of the family as of Spring 2020.
As the
grandson of Her Majesty and second son of The Prince of Wales, Prince Harry,
The Duke of Sussex remains sixth in line to the throne of The British Monarchy
and the Order of Precedence is unchanged.
It was
agreed that The Duke and Duchess will no longer be able to formally carry out
‘official duties’ for The Queen or represent The Commonwealth, but they will,
however, be allowed to maintain their patronages (including those that are
classified as ‘royal’ patronages).
It is
agreed that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to require effective
security to protect them and their son. This is based on The Duke’s public
profile by virtue of being born into The Royal Family, his military service,
the Duchess’ own independent profile, and the shared threat and risk level
documented specifically over the last few years. No further details can be
shared as this is classified information for safety reasons.
In relation
to the military, The Duke of Sussex will retain the rank of Major, and honorary
ranks of Lieutenant Commander, and Squadron Leader. During this 12-month period
of review, The Duke’s official military appointments will not be used as they
are in the gift of the Sovereign. No new appointments will be made to fill
these roles before the 12-month review of the new arrangements is completed.
While per
the agreement, The Duke will not perform any official duties associated with
these roles, given his dedication to the military community and ten years of
service he will of course continue his unwavering support to the military
community in a non-official capacity. As founder of the Invictus Games, The
Duke will proudly continue supporting the military community around the world
through the Invictus Games Foundation and The Endeavour Fund.
Based on
the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s desire to have a reduced role as members of
The Royal Family, it was decided in January that their Institutional Office
would have to be closed, given the primary funding mechanism for this official
office at Buckingham Palace is from HRH The Prince of Wales. The Duke and
Duchess shared this news with their team personally in January once they knew
of the decision, and have worked closely with their staff to ensure a smooth
transition for each of them.
Over the
last month and a half, The Duke and Duchess have remained actively involved in
this process, which has understandably been saddening for The Duke and Duchess
and their loyal staff, given the closeness of Their Royal Highnesses and their
dedicated team.
As The Duke
and Duchess will no longer be considered full-time working Members of The Royal
Family, it was agreed that use of the word ‘Royal’ would need to be reviewed as
it pertains to organisations associated with them in this new regard. More
details on this below.
ADDITIONAL
DETAILS:
As shared
in early January on this website, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not plan to
start a ‘foundation’, but rather intend to develop a new way to effect change
and complement the efforts made by so many excellent foundations globally.
The
creation of this non-profit entity will be in addition to their cause driven
work that they remain deeply committed to. 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 will not utilise the name ‘Sussex Royal’ or
any other iteration of ‘Royal.’
For the
above reason, the trademark applications that had been filed as protective
measures and that reflected the same standard trademarking requests as done for
The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have been removed.
While there
is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the
word ‘Royal’ overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use
‘Sussex Royal’ or any iteration of the word ‘Royal’ in any territory (either
within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020.
As The Duke
and Duchess of Sussex continue to develop their non-profit organisation and
plan for their future, we hope that you use this site as the source for factual
information. In Spring 2020, their digital channels will be refreshed as they
introduce the next exciting phase to you.
The
statement Harry and Meghan sent to the press
'As shared
in early January on this website, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not plan to
start a "foundation", but rather intend to develop a new way to effect
change and complement the efforts made by so many excellent foundations
globally.
'The
creation of this non-profit entity will be in addition to their cause driven
work that they remain deeply committed to.
'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
will not utilise the name "Sussex Royal" or any other iteration of
"Royal".
'For the
above reason, the trademark applications that had been filed as protective
measures and that reflected the same standard trademarking requests as done for
The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have been removed.
'While
there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of
the word 'Royal' overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use
"Sussex Royal" or any iteration of the word "Royal" in any
territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs spring
2020.
'As The
Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to develop their non-profit organisation
and plan for their future, we hope that you use this site as the source for
factual information.
'In Spring
2020, their digital channels will be refreshed as they introduce the next
exciting phase to you.
'The Duke
and Duchess of Sussex eagerly await the opportunity to share more with you and
greatly appreciate your support!'
|
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Harry and
Meghan show anger at palace over loss of royal branding
Sussexes
say monarchy has no jurisdiction over use of word ‘royal’ overseas
Jamie
Doward
Sun 23 Feb
2020 09.52 GMTLast modified on Sun 23 Feb 2020 09.56 GMT
The freeze in relations between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Buckingham Palace has become apparent after the couple were forced to drop plans to use the brand “SussexRoyal”.
Posts on
the couple’s official website suggest they are angry at the way the decision
was reached and how they have been treated compared with other royals. A statement
on Friday night suggested that a blanket ban on the use of the word “royal” was
unenforceable abroad. “There is not,” it noted, “any jurisdiction by the
monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word ‘royal’ overseas.”
The
couple’s Instagram account uses the name SussexRoyal, as does a website they
set up following their shock decision to stop carrying out official royal
duties in favour of financial freedom. Both will have to be rebranded.
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 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.”
The
spokeswoman explained that trademark applications, which were filed as
protective measures “acting on advice from and following the same model for the
Royal Foundation”, had been removed.
The
couple’s lives as working royals will end on 31 March when they stop
representing the Queen and become financially independent.
On Friday
night their website was updated to provide further details of the new
agreement. “While there is not any jurisdiction by the monarchy or cabinet
office over the use of the word ‘royal’ overseas, the Duke and Duchess of
Sussex do not intend to use ‘Sussex Royal’ or any iteration of the word ‘royal’
in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs
spring 2020,” said a statement.
Their
failure to agree a hybrid role within the royal family – performing some royal
duties while also working on outside projects – is also a source of regret.
They wrote:
“While there is precedent for other titled members of the royal family to seek
employment outside of the institution, for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a
12-month review period has been put in place.”
|
The Queen doesn't own the word 'Royal', say Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: Couple complain about their treatment in lengthy statement after Her Majesty forces them to drop Sussex Royal brand
Buckingham Palace told Harry and Meghan not to employ
the name when they are no longer working royals
Duke and Duchess said neither the government nor the
Queen herself have 'jurisdiction' over the word 'royal'
Even so, they would not use title from spring onwards
as they are no longer working members of the family
Significant blow for couple, who have spent hundreds
of thousands building Sussex Royal-branded website
Trademark applications, covering items from clothing
to stationery and bandanas, were filed under the brand
By JEMMA
CARR and JAKE HURFURT and JACK ELSOM FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED:
19:36, 21 February 2020 | UPDATED: 11:05, 22 February 2020
The Duke
and Duchess of Sussex have posted an extraordinary statement on their website
claiming that the Queen does not own the word royal across the world after they
were forced to drop their 'Sussex Royal' brand.
Harry and
Meghan put a new statement on their own website hours after announcing they
would stop using the word 'royal' in their branding after the Spring.
In the
statement, the Duke and Duchess said that while neither the government nor the
Queen herself own the word 'royal' internationally, they would stop using the
title.
The
statement read: 'While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet
Office over the use of the word "Royal" overseas, The Duke and
Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use "Sussex Royal" or any
iteration of the word "Royal" in any territory (either within the UK
or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020.'
The
statement continued: 'While there is precedent for other titled members of the
Royal Family to seek employment outside of the institution, for The Duke and
Duchess of Sussex, a 12-month review period has been put in place.
'Per the
agreement The Duke and Duchess of Sussex understand that they are required to
step back from Royal duties and not undertake representative duties on behalf
of Her Majesty The Queen.'
They also
confirmed that their office - based in Buckingham Palace - would be closed, a
move they said was 'saddening for The Duke and Duchess and their loyal staff'.
The
announcement follows the Daily Mail’s revelation this week that Buckingham
Palace had told Harry and Meghan not to employ the 'Sussex Royal' name when
they are no longer working royals.
It is a
significant blow for the couple, who have spent tens of thousands of pounds
building the Sussex Royal-branded website and creating a hugely popular
Instagram feed.
In an
unprecedented legal move, the queen has drafted in top lawyers in a bid to
enforce the ban.
A string of
trademark applications, covering items from clothing and books to stationery
and bandanas, were withdrawn.
It comes
after MailOnline yesterday revealed that Meghan has told friends there is
nothing 'legally stopping' her and Harry from using their Sussex Royal name.
Meghan
complained to her inner circle that using the name 'shouldn't even be an issue
in the first place and it's not like they want to be in the business of selling
T-shirts and pencils,' the insider said.
They added:
'Meghan said she's done with the drama and has no room in her life for
naysayers, and the same goes for Harry.'
The friend
added: 'Meghan said the global projects they are working on speak for
themselves and they chose that name to protect the royal name, not profit off
of it.'
But, the
insider added: 'Meghan has told her inner circle that their success is
inevitable with or without their current brand name.
'She said
regardless of the name, Harry and Archie have royal blood and no one can take
that away. And that as a family, they will always be considered royalty.'
Harry and
Meghan are in the process of setting up a new charitable organisation after
their split in August last year from the Royal Foundation Charity, which they
shared with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The pair
wanted to use Sussex Royal branding but a new name will now have to be found.
Meghan's
friend added: 'Meghan said the name of their brand pales in comparison to the
foundation they are building and the enormously positive impact it will have on
people and the environment.'
Losing the
name is the latest humiliation for the couple who announced last month they
were stepping down as senior royals and moving to North America.
The pair
have already agreed to give up their HRH titles for work purposes, and their
official patronages on behalf of the queen, including Harry’s honorary military
titles.
Complicated
negotiations concluded that it was untenable for them to use the word ‘royal’
in their branding.
A spokesman
for the Sussexes said last night: ‘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 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 Sussex Royal in any territory
post-spring 2020.
‘Therefore
trademark applications that were filed as protective measures, acting on advice
from and following the same model for The Royal Foundation, have been removed.’
Harry and
Meghan first began using Sussex Royal this time last year after they split
their household from that of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, known as
Kensington Royal.
The
Sussexes’ Instagram page, @sussexroyal, has amassed 11.2million followers – the
same number of fans as William and Kate’s account.
But the
Mail revealed this week that the Queen and senior officials had decided the
couple would have to drop their name.
A source
told the Mail at the time: ‘In many ways this is inevitable given their
decision to step down.
‘But it
must surely come as a blow to the couple as they have invested everything into
the Sussex Royal brand. The Queen would have had little choice, however.
‘The
Sussexes’ original plan – of being half-in, half-out working royals – was never
going to work.
‘Obviously,
as the Queen has made clear, they are still much-loved members of her family.
‘But if
they aren’t carrying out official duties and are now seeking other commercial
opportunities, they simply cannot be allowed to market themselves as royals.’
Harry and
Meghan announced on Wednesday that they will step down as working royals in
less than six weeks and close their Buckingham Palace office.
The
statement Harry and Meghan sent to the press
'As shared
in early January on this website, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not plan to
start a "foundation", but rather intend to develop a new way to
effect change and complement the efforts made by so many excellent foundations
globally.
'The
creation of this non-profit entity will be in addition to their cause driven
work that they remain deeply committed to.
'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
will not utilise the name "Sussex Royal" or any other iteration of
"Royal".
'For the
above reason, the trademark applications that had been filed as protective
measures and that reflected the same standard trademarking requests as done for
The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have been removed.
'While
there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of
the word 'Royal' overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use
"Sussex Royal" or any iteration of the word "Royal" in any
territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs spring
2020.
'As The
Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to develop their non-profit organisation
and plan for their future, we hope that you use this site as the source for
factual information.
'In Spring
2020, their digital channels will be refreshed as they introduce the next
exciting phase to you.
'The Duke
and Duchess of Sussex eagerly await the opportunity to share more with you and
greatly appreciate your support!'
The
statement went on: 'Based on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s desire to have a
reduced role as members of The Royal Family, it was decided in January that
their Institutional Office would have to be closed, given the primary funding
mechanism for this official office at Buckingham Palace is from HRH The Prince
of Wales.
'The Duke
and Duchess shared this news with their team personally in January once they
knew of the decision, and have worked closely with their staff to ensure a
smooth transition for each of them.
'Over the
last month and a half, The Duke and Duchess have remained actively involved in
this process, which has understandably been saddening for The Duke and Duchess
and their loyal staff, given the closeness of Their Royal Highnesses and their
dedicated team.'
They will
take part in six more engagements before formally withdrawing from frontline
roles on March 31.
Their final
official engagement is expected to be on March 9, when they will join the Queen
at Westminster Abbey to mark Commonwealth Day.
The
statement also addressed the controversy surrounding the cost of the Duke and
Duchess's security.
Protection
for Meghan and Harry is estimated to cost taxpayers in Canada and the UK
between £3million and £6million a year, as staff work round the clock two weeks
at a time.
The statement
read: 'It is agreed that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to
require effective security to protect them and their son.
'This is
based on The Duke’s public profile by virtue of being born into The Royal
Family, his military service, the Duchess’ own independent profile, and the
shared threat and risk level documented specifically over the last few years.
Oh, yawn. Poor them. Meanwhile, in the rest of the world. . .
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Heinz-Ulrich