Meghan Markle sparks outrage in the UK after using HRH title in a private gift note despite stepping down from royal duties in California

It’s been over five years since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped back from royal life, but their ties to the monarchy continue to stir debate—especially when it comes to titles.

The latest stir? Meghan has once again used “Her Royal Highness” in a personal message, and it’s igniting backlash from royal watchers and insiders alike.

Gift Hamper Sparks Questions About Royal Status

The issue blew up after Meghan’s close friend, beauty mogul Jamie Kern Lima, posted a snapshot of a gift basket on her podcast.

The basket included flowers, organic ice cream, and Meghan’s own homemade strawberry jam.

But it wasn’t the goodies that caught everyone’s attention—it was the elegant note attached, signed: “With the compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.”

That simple signature reignited a long-standing debate about whether Meghan is overstepping the agreement made during “Megxit”—the 2020 decision that saw her and Prince Harry step down as senior royals and move to California.

The Queen’s Wishes on the HRH Title

According to royal biographer Ingrid Seward, Queen Elizabeth II had made it clear that although Harry and Meghan were not formally stripped of their HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) titles, they were not to use them in public or commercial contexts.

“If the Queen were still alive, she would’ve been deeply offended,” Seward shared.

“She was incredibly sensitive about these things.

She didn’t take the title away, but she certainly didn’t want it used.”

Seward even pointed out that Queen Elizabeth removed the HRH from both Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson after their exits.

Not the First Time Meghan Used This Signature

It turns out, this isn’t the first time Meghan has used this exact HRH signature outside of official royal duties.

The same style note appeared in 2019, when she sent a thank-you message to author Matt Haig from her desk at Kensington Palace. That was back when she was still a working royal.

But it’s unclear how often she’s continued using the HRH title since stepping back.

A source close to the Sussexes told media that Meghan has occasionally used HRH in private communications and messages to friends—but never for business purposes.

Did the Note Double as a Brand Plug?

Critics, however, aren’t convinced that this use of HRH was purely personal.

The gift basket also featured Meghan’s new strawberry jam, which just happens to be part of her As Ever lifestyle brand. The same brand she launched in March.

Some have argued that by sharing the HRH-signed hamper publicly—especially during a podcast appearance—Meghan blurred the line between private gesture and soft brand promotion.

Others suggest the photo might have been taken long before the brand launch, which her team hasn’t confirmed.

Meghan’s Spokesperson Denies Breaking Any Rules

Following the backlash, a spokesperson for Meghan and Harry emphasized that the couple do not use HRH titles for commercial purposes.

The statement echoed previous confirmations made when they left royal duties in 2020.

At the time, Buckingham Palace had clearly stated: “The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”

Despite that, the titles still legally remain attached to their names—they just aren’t meant to be used in public-facing ways.

Royal Fans Are Divided

Reactions online were swift and passionate. Some royal fans were quick to express anger over Meghan’s use of the title, saying it defied the late Queen’s guidance.

One wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I thought they couldn’t use HRH?” Another said: “She’s not supposed to use it per the Queen!”

The controversy once again highlights the tension that continues to follow Meghan and Harry, even years after their official royal exit.

Meghan Gets Emotional on Podcast About Family Life

Meanwhile, Meghan’s podcast appearance with Jamie Kern Lima took a heartfelt turn when she opened up about life in Montecito with Harry and their kids—Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3.

Meghan revealed she writes daily emails to her children as a kind of “time capsule” for them to look back on when they’re older.

She even shared an emotional note they sent her, which read: “From Archie and Lili via Papa.

We love your cooking. We love your pancakes and we love, love, love your hugs. You’re the best mummy and we love you.”

Fighting back tears, Meghan said: “So sweet. I also love that it’s ‘mummy’ instead of ‘mommy’—very British.”

A Rare Glimpse Into Meghan and Harry’s Love Story

In another candid moment, Meghan reflected on her relationship with Harry, calling it more loving now than ever before.

She described the beginning of their relationship as diving “right into the trenches” just six months after dating, hinting at the pressure and scrutiny they faced early on.

“Now, seven years later, it’s like a honeymoon period for us,” she shared.

The comment felt like a subtle nod—or possibly a pointed contrast—to her earlier royal experience.

What This Means for the Sussex Brand Going Forward

The reappearance of Meghan’s HRH title has reopened debates about the boundaries between royal tradition, personal identity, and modern branding.

Whether the note was an innocent gesture or a misstep, it’s clear that Meghan’s every move continues to be dissected under a royal microscope.

And while Meghan and Harry may be carving out their own path in California, moments like these show just how hard it is to ever truly step away from the palace spotlight.