The decision for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to stop using their HRH titles came during the Sandringham Summit, famously dubbed ‘Megxit’ – where the pair discussed their decision to ‘step back’ as senior royals
Meghan Markle was spotted using her ‘HRH’ title on a gift card – going against an agreement with the late Queen Elizabeth as part of Megxit rules. The Duchess, 43, sent a gift hamper to a podcast host, and card which read: “with the compliments of HRH, Duchess of Sussex”.
The Duchess of Sussex appeared on the podcast of Jamie Kern Lima, the founder of IT Cosmetics, for her first ever podcast interview, where she opened up on a range of topics, including her kids and as well as her newly-launched business, As Ever.
The decision for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to stop using their HRH titles came during the “Sandringham Summit”, famously dubbed “Megxit” – a pivotal meeting held on January 13, 2020, at Queen Elizabeth II’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England.
It saw senior members of the British royal family – including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry – gather to address the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to “step back” from their roles as senior royals. Meghan Markle participated remotely from Canada, where she was living with their son, Archie.
Kate Middleton and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, were not present at the summit, which was limited to the heads of the four royal households. During the meeting, it was agreed that Harry and Meghan would cease the use of their ‘HRH’ prefix’s.
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The couple wrote on their official website: “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.”
On January 8, the pair announced on Instagram their decision to “step back as ‘senior’ members” of the British royal family. The late Queen released a statement at the time emphasising her support for their desire to create a new life, though she expressed a preference for them to remain full-time working royals.
Other key outcomes of the Sandringham Summit included a transition period in which the Sussexes were granted space to divide their time between the UK and Canada, allowing them to establish a more independent life while remaining part of the royal family.
Harry and Meghan also expressed a desire to become financially independent, giving up public funds and the Sovereign Grant, which previously supported their official duties.
The couple agreed to no longer use their “Royal Highness” titles and to cease official military appointments – and said they would no longer participate in the Royal Rota media system, aiming for greater control over their public image.
During the interview, Meghan heaped praise on her husband for his support as she launched her business and reminisced about the early days of their romance as they tried to keep their relationship under wraps.
She described how the beginning of their relationship was like “butterflies” but claimed when news of them dating came out they “went into the trenches together.”
The Mirror has contacted Meghan’s representatives for comment.