Harry and Meghan garnered widespread admiration when they tied the knot in 2018 and commenced their royal duties. However, a shift in focus from service to profit has become increasingly apparent over time. Reports surfaced indicating that they trademarked "Sussex Royal" for various commercial purposes. While it's not uncommon for royals to endorse branded products, what sets this situation apart is the trading on titles they no longer officially hold since stepping back from their roles as working royals in January 2020.
Despite their pledge to attain financial independence, their subsequent actions suggest that profit remains a priority over protocol. Just months after their transition, Meghan participated in a virtual discussion where she shared insights into the challenges of royal life. While personal struggles are understandable, utilizing such platforms may appear more geared towards self-promotion than genuine assistance to others.
Of greater concern are reports alleging that Meghan leveraged her royal connections to secure a celebrity spokesperson role with a PR firm, despite no longer being an active member of the royal family. While it's reasonable for anyone to capitalize on their connections, exploiting ties to an institution from which one has distanced themselves raises valid questions about intentions and sets an unfavorable precedent.
This pattern of repeatedly citing her brief royal experience to further commercial objectives blurs the line between private business and royal representation. Openly trading on a relinquished status raises concerns about commitment to country over self. While autonomy and financial security are understandable aspirations, achieving independence should be done in ways that respect tradition and public trust.
While acknowledging the desire for autonomy and financial stability, it's crucial to recognize that there are appropriate ways to attain independence while still upholding centuries-old traditions and preserving public trust. Rather than viewing the situation as a binary choice between palace privilege and private enterprise, there is room for finding a balance that respects both business success and royal service.
Institutions endure by evolving with the times while upholding core principles. Personal fulfillment matters, but it must be balanced against its impact on the community. Even well-intentioned endeavors can suffer if perceived as driven by self-interest rather than service.
While wishing the Sussexes the best, it's essential for them to reflect on how their actions might affect the monarchy to which they remain tied through family. Commercializing royal status risks damaging an institution that has served Britain for over a millennium. Balancing business success with service and protocol could set a positive example. Dialogue and understanding are vital, and it's not too late to reconsider actions and their implications on longstanding principles of duty before self.
