Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been resting during the holidays after their whirlwind year as senior members of the British royal family. The pair have been vacationing on Vancouver Island in Canada away from the grueling spotlight and their constant commitments.
The couple has been scrutinized in the media for their practices and their perspectives. The Duchess of Sussex, in particular, has felt the brunt of the criticism as an American woman of color trying to fit in the traditions of the British royal family.
With rumors that the Sussexes are going to approach royal life differently in 2020, their latest move hints at a major clue.
The Sussexes have no plans to renounce their royal duties
Though the duchess did say that she and Prince Harry would walk away from royal life if things didn’t improve — they have no plans on renouncing their titles at this time. Royal commentator Juliet Rieden told Nine News Australia,
I don’t think we can say for sure that they never will renounce their duties. Certainly the Royal Family would not want them to, of course. They are very valuable to the Royal Family, they are wonderful ambassadors. They are very, very popular and they are very engaging when you meet them. I have been watching the Royal Family for a long time now and Harry and Meghan have a very tactile connection with the public.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle will approach royal life differently in 2020
Since their old strategy is not working — the Sussexes may be stepping into royal life with a very different perspective in the New Year. In their ITV documentary, Harry and Meghan: An African Journey, Markle revealed that being under constant scrutiny is very difficult, especially as a new mother.
Still, despite all of that, the Sussexes aren’t ready to give up on royal life. They will simply restrategize. “That warmth is something that really benefits the Royal Family, Harry and Meghan just have to find a way to make it work for them,” Rieden said. “It’s just like with anyone in a new job – you have to find a way to do your best but also make your skills shine.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry just trademarked Sussex Royal
It looks like Markle and Prince Harry’s new royal strategy includes expanding their brand. The royal couple filed an application to trademark the name. The trademark covers printed materials — like magazines and booklets — as well as clothing items, education, social care services, and charitable fundraising.
Royal fans are whispering that merchandise and possibly even a magazine. The application was actually submitted in June 2019 but was only made public this week. The trademark might not ever be used, but it will prevent others from using the Sussex Royal brand name.
If the Sussexes do plan on selling merchandise it could be another way to expand their charitable contributions into the world. It would also offer them the opportunity to have tighter control over their brand.