A media frenzy has erupted following the debut of Harry and Meghan’s new website, Sussex.com.
This launch comes after the late Queen Elizabeth II prohibited them from utilizing the name SussexRoyal.com four years ago, primarily due to its royal connotations.
The recent unveiling has reignited discussions about the couple’s relationship with the royal family and their ongoing attempts to carve out a commercial niche for themselves.
The website opens with an intriguing header: “The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
Many observers have noted that this phrasing gives off a distinctly presidential vibe, emphasizing their titles prominently right from the start.
Adding to the royal flair, the site features Meghan’s royal crest, raising eyebrows about why they chose not to use a joint crest—a detail that has yet to be publicly clarified.
At its core, the website aims to “shape the future through business and philanthropy.”
While philanthropy is a traditional role for members of the royal family, using their titles for commercial endeavors raises questions.
The BBC’s Sean Cooglan penned an engaging article that delves into these contradictions, highlighting the odd juxtaposition of royal titles and commercial aspirations.
Interestingly, while the site exudes a sense of regality with its coat of arms and ambitious objectives, it notably lacks any substantial references to the royal family.
Aside from mentioning that Meghan married into royalty in 2018, there are no further connections made.
This omission feels peculiar, especially considering the prominent use of their royal titles.
The BBC article also humorously points out that the site’s sophisticated design could just as easily promote luxury chocolates, suggesting a voiceover advertising a Sussex delicacy that’s “not just for Christmas.” This playful analogy underscores the somewhat absurd nature of the site’s presentation, which appears to straddle the line between dignified and commercial.
The media storm surrounding Sussex.com stems from its apparent focus on both charity and commerce—an intersection that royal titles should ideally avoid.
Critics argue that this move is a deliberate attempt by Harry and Meghan to undermine the royal family’s authority.
Royal biographer Angela Levin expressed her dismay, stating that the combination of royal insignia and commercial intent is simply unacceptable.
Levin emphasized that Harry is fully aware of the late Queen’s wishes regarding the use of royal titles for financial gain.
There was a clear understanding that such symbols should not be exploited for commercial purposes, making the launch of Sussex.com all the more controversial.
Adding fuel to the fire, some headlines warn that the royal family could take action against Sussex.com if it continues to leverage royal titles or the coat of arms for business.
In response, Harry and Meghan have downplayed the situation, asserting that the website is simply an expression of their name.
However, this assertion overlooks the significant implications tied to their royal identity.
Despite past reports indicating they were banned from using SussexRoyal.com shortly after its launch, that website remains live and even links to Sussex.com.
This connection raises eyebrows, particularly given that the old site still references Queen Elizabeth II as the current monarch—a detail that seems outdated and disrespectful.
As scrutiny increases, many anticipate a backlash from the palace regarding the use of royal titles on Sussex.com.
Although there may not be an outright ban on their titles, traditions and protocols suggest they should refrain from using them in a commercial context.
This situation could potentially lead to further discussions about the removal of their royal titles altogether.
Speculation has also circulated about the status of their Archwell Foundation, with some believing it has been dissolved.
However, this appears to be unfounded, as the Archwell Productions website is still operational, clearly stating its mission and founders.
The redirect of Archwell.com to Sussex.com only adds to the confusion, leaving many questions unanswered.
In light of these developments, it’s clear that Harry and Meghan’s new venture is set to attract significant media attention and public discourse.
As the couple navigates their dual roles of celebrity and former royals, the implications of Sussex.com will likely continue to unfold, inviting scrutiny and debate from every corner.