A spokeswoman for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirm that the couple will cease using their Sussex Royal name for their brand from the Spring, when they officially step back from royal duties.
Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan were in talks about the future of their brand name, which draws on their dukedom and Royal Family connections.
The couple had trademarked various aspects of the brand last year, however royal names – in this case the use of the word itself – are protected by law.
The Duke and Duchess Sussex will cease royal duties at the end of March. (Commonwealth Secretariat)
“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,” a statement said.
“Therefore the trademark applications that were filed as protective measures, acting on advice from and following the same model for The Royal Foundation, have been removed.”
This means that the website the Duke and Duchess have set up, initially announcing their decision in January, will need to be updated – its wording and its URL. The same applies for their Instagram account, @SussexRoyal.
It is expected a new name for the Sussex foundation, the basis of their charitable work moving forward, will be announced in April.
Update: the Sussexes will not be setting up a foundation following their move to ‘independent’ living, but instead a not-for-profit organisation.
We have also had confirmation this week of the Sussexes’ final royal engagements, before they cease royal work on 31st March. Harry and Meghan will attend the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey with The Queen and other members of the Royal Family on 9th March.
It was announced the couple would no longer have an office at Buckingham Palace, and their staff are either being moved within the household (where possible) or let go.
