Meghan Markle Sparks Online Outrage for Using ‘HRH’ on Gift Basket—Despite Royal Ban

Meghan Markle is once again at the center of controversy after it was revealed she used the royal styling “HRH” (Her Royal Highness) on a promotional gift item—despite an explicit agreement with the late Queen Elizabeth II to stop using the title after stepping down from royal duties.

The Duchess of Sussex, who has built a reputation for challenging royal norms, reportedly signed a gift card sent to entrepreneur and podcast host Jamie Kern Lima with the phrase: “With the compliments of HRH, The Duchess of Sussex.” This small detail has stirred big reactions online, with critics accusing Meghan of disrespecting the late Queen’s wishes and attempting to cling to royal status while benefiting from her U.S.-based ventures.

The Royal Agreement: What Was Decided?

The controversy dates back to January 2020, when Prince Harry and Meghan announced they would step back from their roles as senior working royals and relocate to North America. In the weeks that followed, a formal agreement—often referred to as the “Sandringham Summit”—was made between the couple and Queen Elizabeth II.

While they were allowed to retain their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the late monarch made it clear they would no longer use the “HRH” (His/Her Royal Highness) styling in any official capacity. A Buckingham Palace statement issued at the time read: “The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”

Though the titles were never formally stripped—they remain technically in place—the understanding was that neither Meghan nor Harry would publicly use them moving forward. This also came with other conditions: the couple lost their royal patronages, and Harry was asked to give up his honorary military appointments.

Why the Latest Use of HRH Upset People

The backlash flared up after Jamie Kern Lima, author and founder of IT Cosmetics, appeared on a podcast in April 2025 and mentioned receiving a gift basket from Meghan. Attached was a note that bore the HRH title, prompting many to accuse Meghan of deliberately breaching the 2020 agreement.

Adding to the confusion, Lima said she received the gift “about a year ago”—well after Meghan and Harry’s exit terms were made clear by the palace. Although Meghan’s representatives quickly responded by claiming the Duchess was not actively using the HRH honorific, the damage had already been done on social media, where users slammed the move as tone-deaf and attention-seeking.

One Twitter user commented: “Meghan using HRH after being told not to is like trying to have it both ways—playing the royal card when it benefits her brand.” Another added, “It’s about respect. If you agreed not to use HRH, don’t sneak it into gift cards.”

Is Meghan Legally Allowed to Use HRH?

Technically, yes—Meghan still holds the title of Duchess of Sussex, and her HRH styling was never officially revoked through a parliamentary act, which would be required to legally remove such honors. However, the ethical and political expectation was that she would refrain from using it, especially in commercial or promotional contexts.

Royal experts emphasize that the use of HRH is more than just a title—it represents senior working status within the monarchy and carries implications of royal endorsement. That’s why using it in a gift related to public promotion, even informally, is viewed as crossing a line.

Public Reaction Reflects Deeper Tensions

The fallout from this minor detail underscores the broader tension surrounding Meghan and Harry’s post-royal identity. Since moving to California, the couple has pursued media projects, launched businesses, and taken on public speaking engagements—all while walking a fine line between royalty and celebrity.

The use of “HRH,” whether accidental or not, reopens the ongoing debate: Should former working royals be allowed to trade on their titles once they’ve exited the institution? For many, it’s a question of fairness and transparency, especially when titles carry centuries of public service symbolism.

As of now, Buckingham Palace has not issued a public response to the controversy. Still, the incident serves as a reminder that every move Meghan makes is scrutinized—and royal titles, even unused, continue to carry immense weight.