Harry and Meghan confirm they will drop the name 'Sussex Royal'

Harry and Meghan have confirmed they will drop the word “Royal” from all their branding when they officially leave the Royal Family at the end of next month.

The use of the word has been part of the negotiations between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Queen’s advisers since they announced their intention to leave in January.

SussexRoyal is currently used on their new website, sussexroyal.com, which the couple launched only a few weeks ago to explain their reasons for stepping down.

It’s also the name of their Instagram account which has 1.2 million followers.

And they had registered the name SussexRoyal for their new non-profit charitable organisation which they will launch later in the year.

ITV News reported on Wednesday that discussions were underway and the Queen, following advice from her lawyers, has said it would not be possible for Harry ad Meghan to use “Royal” in their future branding.

Tonight, the couple’s spokesperson said: “While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organisation, given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word ‘Royal’, it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organisation, when it is announced this Spring, will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation.”

Harry will be back in the UK next week for the first time since he left for Canada after the initial negotiations with his family concluded in January.

The SussexRoyal name had also been trademarked on various items from clothing to souvenirs and digital applications.

However their spokesperson has clarified that Harry and Meghan “do not intend to use ‘SussexRoyal’ in any territory post Spring 2020”.

They added: “Therefore the trademark applications that were filed as protective measures, acting on advice from and following the same model for The Royal Foundation, have been removed.”

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The Sussexes are returning to the UK for a series of engagements from 28 February to Commonwealth Day on 9 March.

They schedule for the next couple of weeks is as follows:

28th February: Harry will attend a recording session with Jon Bon Jovi and the Invictus Games Choir.

5th March: Harry and Meghan will attend the Endeavour Awards.

6th March: The Duke of Sussex, will join Lewis Hamilton, for the official opening of the Silverstone Experience.

7th March: The Duke and Duchess will attend the Mountbatten Music Festival at the Royal Albert Hall.

8th March: Meghan will mark International Women’s Day.

9th March: Harry and Meghan will join the Queen and the Royal Family at Westminster Abbey on Commonwealth Day.

The couple are expected to return to Canada after the series of UK visits.

They will cease to have an office at Buckingham Palace and, from 1st April, they will represented by their new foundation team as they begin their new lives.

But we now have confirmation that the brand SussexRoyal will leave with Harry and Meghan as they themselves leave the Royal Family.

The split from the Royal Family has not been easy. Credit: PA

Harry and Meghan have updated their website sussexroyal.com expanding on the statement issued by their spokeswoman.

Under "additional details" it now says: "As shared in early January on this website, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not plan to start a 'foundation', but rather intend to develop a new way to effect change and complement the efforts made by so many excellent foundations globally.

"The creation of this non-profit entity will be in addition to their cause driven work that they remain deeply committed to. While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organisation, given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word 'Royal', it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organisation will not utilise the name 'Sussex Royal' or any other iteration of 'Royal.'

"For the above reason, the trademark applications that had been filed as protective measures and that reflected the same standard trademarking requests as done for The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have been removed.

"While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word 'Royal' overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use 'Sussex Royal' or any iteration of the word 'Royal' in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020.

"As The Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to develop their non-profit organisation and plan for their future, we hope that you use this site as the source for factual information. In Spring 2020, their digital channels will be refreshed as they introduce the next exciting phase to you.

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex eagerly await the opportunity to share more with you and greatly appreciate your support!"