Meghan Markle stirs royal controversy in California after using Her Royal Highness title on gift to friend despite Queen’s past wishes

Just when the royal drama seemed to have cooled off, a fresh wave of chatter has erupted—this time over a gift basket, a jar of jam, and Meghan Markle’s continued use of her royal title.

The former Duchess of Sussex, now living a very California life with Prince Harry, has once again found herself at the center of controversy over how much of her royal past she’s really left behind.

A Friendly Gift or a Royal Reminder?

It all started with a seemingly sweet gesture. Meghan sent a care package to her close friend Jamie Kern Lima, the CEO of IT Cosmetics.

The basket included ice cream, flowers, and a jar of what appears to be Meghan’s homemade strawberry jam.

But what really grabbed attention wasn’t the treats—it was the note attached, signed off as “With the compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.”

Jamie shared a photo of the gift during her podcast, and eagle-eyed royal watchers quickly spotted the use of “HRH”—Her Royal Highness. Cue the online frenzy.

The Queen’s Past Wishes and the Couple’s Agreement

Here’s where it gets complicated. Back in 2020, when Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals and moved to California, there was an understanding with Queen Elizabeth II and senior palace officials: they wouldn’t use the term “royal” or their HRH titles in a public or commercial capacity.

While the titles were never officially revoked, it was made clear in a Buckingham Palace statement that they wouldn’t be used in the context of their new, independent lives.

Since then, the couple has mostly respected that boundary—at least publicly.

Meghan Still HRH in Private?

According to a spokesperson for the Sussexes, Meghan and Harry aren’t using their HRH titles for business purposes.

However, the appearance of that note has stirred speculation that Meghan may still be signing off as HRH in more personal settings.

A source close to the couple clarified that the gift was given before Meghan launched her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard (formerly referred to as “As Ever”) and wasn’t meant as a promotional stunt.

Even so, critics online weren’t buying it. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: “I thought they couldn’t use HRH?” while another chimed in, “She’s not supposed to, per the Queen!”

A Touch of Branding—or Just a Thoughtful Gesture?

Despite denials from Meghan’s camp, some have accused the gift basket of being a stealthy plug for her new brand—especially since it included her homemade jam, a featured item in her upcoming product line.

The note and the luxury presentation of the basket certainly didn’t help quiet the suspicion.

Still, others pointed out that Jamie had mentioned receiving the jam last year, which suggests the timing may not line up with Meghan’s brand launch this spring.

A Peek Into Meghan’s Personal Life

The controversy unfolded just as Meghan appeared on her friend Jamie’s podcast for a heartfelt interview—her first ever podcast appearance as a guest.

She opened up about family life in Montecito with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

Meghan shared that she’s been emailing her kids daily to create a “time capsule” they can revisit in the future.

She even got emotional while reading a sweet note from them, which ended with, “We love your cooking.

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

The use of “mummy” over the American “mommy” made her smile.

Fighting back tears, she said, “I wasn’t expecting this. They’re just so great. This is why it’s so nice to have no makeup on—thank you.”

Love, Royal Tensions, and Life in California

During the podcast, Meghan also spoke about her deep connection with Harry, describing their relationship as stronger than ever.

Reflecting on the early days of dating, she said, “At the beginning it’s all butterflies, but then we immediately went into the trenches together… So now, seven years later, it feels like we’re finally in our honeymoon period.”

Some interpreted her “in the trenches” comment as a veiled jab at the pressures they faced from within the Royal Family. Whether it was intentional or not, it’s clear that Meghan still has a complicated relationship with her royal past.

What Comes Next?

While Meghan and Harry’s reps haven’t officially commented on the use of the HRH title on the gift basket, the backlash has already reignited the conversation about how the couple blends their royal legacy with their current public lives.

And as Meghan steps back into the public spotlight with her podcast appearances and lifestyle brand, this likely won’t be the last time her title—and how she uses it—becomes a talking point.