Meghan Markle has stirred up a storm among royal supporters after sharing an Instagram post that referred to her as “Your Royal Highland.” The post, which featured a letter from Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister, has reignited debates about her use of royal titles, years after she and Prince Harry stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Critics see it as a bold move that defies the couple’s agreement with the monarchy, while others question her intentions. Here’s why this controversy matters.
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left their roles as senior royals five years ago, they relocated to North America to pursue independent lives. As part of their exit deal, they agreed not to use their “His/Her Royal Highness” titles publicly, despite retaining them in a technical sense. This compromise allowed them to step away from royal responsibilities while maintaining some dignity. The understanding was clear: no profiting from royal status or titles in their new ventures. For a while, the couple seemed to honor this, focusing on philanthropy and media projects like the Archewell Foundation and Netflix deals.
Over the weekend, Meghan posted a screenshot of a letter addressed to “Your Royal Highness,” sparking immediate backlash. Royal watchers and monarchy supporters called it a deliberate violation of the 2020 agreement. “It’s shocking,” said a source close to King Charles III. “The deal was meant to let them move on respectfully, not to flaunt their titles for attention.” The source suggested Meghan’s post could be an attempt to leverage her royal connection, possibly to boost her public image or promote causes like her Ukraine advocacy.
The letter itself wasn’t the issue—most agree raising awareness for Ukraine is noble. But by sharing it publicly, Meghan invited scrutiny. A friend of Prince William called it a “clever but risky move.” They explained, “She can say it was an innocent mistake or blame the letter’s wording, but it feels like she’s testing the waters. Is she signaling she still sees herself as a royal?” This perception has fueled accusations that Meghan is trying to have it both ways—living independently while clinging to royal prestige.
Royal titles aren’t just ceremonial; they carry weight and expectations. When Harry and Meghan stepped back, some experts argued that leaving their “Royal Highness” titles intact was a mistake. “It created ambiguity,” said a heraldry scholar who studies the monarchy. “If the titles had been fully revoked, we wouldn’t be here now.” The scholar noted that Meghan’s post, while seemingly minor, raises bigger questions: What happens if she starts using “Her Royal Highness” more openly? Since the title was never formally stripped, there’s little stopping her legally.
Buckingham Palace has stayed quiet, choosing not to address the controversy directly. This silence aligns with their usual approach to Meghan and Harry’s actions—avoiding public spats. But behind closed doors, frustration is brewing. The same source close to King Charles called the post “a step too far,” hinting that the king might see it as undermining the monarchy’s authority. For a royal family already navigating King Charles’ health challenges and Prince William’s growing role, this adds another layer of tension.
The court of public opinion is divided. On X, some users slammed Meghan, labeling her actions “disrespectful” and “attention-seeking.” One post read, “She left the royals—why cling to the title now?” Others defended her, arguing the outrage is overblown. “It’s just a letter she shared to highlight a cause,” one supporter tweeted. “Why is everyone so obsessed with her every move?” Google Trends shows “Meghan Markle” spiking in searches, proving she remains a polarizing figure.
Some see Meghan’s post as a calculated step in personal brand-building. Since leaving the monarchy, she’s positioned herself as a philanthropist and advocate, focusing on issues like women’s rights and mental health. Her Instagram, with millions of followers, is a powerful tool to shape her narrative. By sharing the “Royal Highness” letter, she might be subtly reclaiming her royal identity—or at least keeping it in play. Critics argue this blurs the line between her private goals and the monarchy’s traditions, which demand strict protocol.
This incident highlights the monarchy’s struggle to adapt to a media-savvy, modern world. The royal family has long relied on discretion and tradition to maintain its image, but Meghan and Harry operate differently. Their openness—through interviews, memoirs like Spare, and Netflix projects—challenges the old guard’s playbook. Meghan, in particular, seems unafraid to push boundaries, whether through her advocacy or her social media presence.
The controversy also underscores the delicate balance of royal family dynamics. King Charles, now in 2025, faces mounting pressures: his health, the monarchy’s relevance, and preparing Prince William for the throne. Meghan’s actions, intentional or not, complicate this landscape. If she continues to embrace her royal title, it could force the Palace to act—potentially revisiting the 2020 agreement or clarifying title rules.
Meghan’s team hasn’t commented on whether the post signals a shift in her approach to titles. Her silence leaves room for speculation: Was it a one-off, or a sign of bolder moves to come? Upcoming projects, like her and Harry’s rumored Netflix series, could shed light on their priorities. For now, the royal family seems content to let the issue simmer, but that may not last if Meghan leans further into her “Royal Highness” status.
This saga is more than a social media spat—it’s a clash of tradition and modernity. Meghan Markle, once a royal outsider, continues to challenge expectations, forcing the monarchy to confront its own evolution. Whether her Instagram post was a misstep or a masterstroke, it’s clear she’s still a force to be reckoned with. As one X user put it, “Meghan doesn’t need a title to stay relevant—she’s already rewriting the rules.”
