They caused shockwaves when they announced they were “stepping down” from royal duties last month, before moving to Canada to start building a new life there with their “Sussex Royal” brand.
But the controversy around their decision continued last week after it was reported that the Queen and her advisers were planning to refuse permission for the couple to use the word “Royal” in their new venture.
The news was met with a mixed response from fans on social media. One wrote, “We’ll miss them – a loss to the royals”, while another wrote, “Should have given more thought before they registered the brand. Too busy trying to find an escape from their royal duties.” Another posted, “Nobody should be allowed to commercialise ‘Royal’. They chose to leave royal life. They chose to defy the Queen.”
They had previously been gearing up to launch a charitable entity named “Sussex Royal, The Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex” and had even trademarked their “Sussex Royal” brand last year to be used on a range of merchandise.
However, PR experts have predicted that, even if they do lose their royal association and rebrand their charity, the pair are set to make millions from their image and fame alone.
Last week, it was also revealed that Harry and Meghan’s official departure from royal life – or Megxit, as it’s been dubbed – will start on 31 March. The pair will no longer carry out royal duties from then on, with the arrangement to be reviewed in a year’s time.
Check out: a look back at 13 of the most SLAYIN' outfits from The BRIT Awards 2020
The Best Red Carpet Looks at The BRIT Awards 2020 and high street dupes - slider
1 of 29Michelle Keegan
Michelle Keegan looked incredible at the BRITs 2020 in this long sleeved silver maxi dress. Despite how cold it is, we're obsessed with the thigh high slit.
2 of 29Silver Sequin Long Sleeve Plunge Maxi Dress
Michelle's dress was absolutely amazing and just screamed glamour so we had a scout on the high street and found a similar version for less...
3 of 29Lizzo
Lizzo in a custom Moschino gown designed to resemble a Hershey's chocolate bar wrapper.
4 of 29Big Entrance Satin Maxi Dress
Okay so it's not exactly Hershey's BUT this is a brown maxi dress that's very similar to Lizzo's and it'll only cost you £24.
5 of 29Laura Whitmore
TV presenter Laura Whitmore wore a newspaper-print mini dress with high strappy black heels.
6 of 29Janvie White Newspaper Print Strappy Mini Dress
We love a newspaper print dress and Missy Empire has a mini strappy one for less than £15 - winning.
7 of 29Fleur East
Hits Radio presenter Fleur East rocked a graphic print oversized white suit and looked fabulous.
8 of 29White Oversized Button Detail Blazer
An oversized blazer can be a go to for anything; matching trousers, a mini dress or a co-ord look.
9 of 29White High Waisted Wide Leg Trousers
If you want your outfit to be fully oversized then these wide high waisted trousers will help create that look.
10 of 29Mabel
British Female Solo Artist winner Mabel wore a strapless sequin Moschino gown.
11 of 29Club L London Baroque Bandeau Sequin Maxi Dress
Club L London have a gorgeous bandeau sequin maxi dress that would look great at any event where the dress code is cocktail.
12 of 29Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish in head-to-toe Burberry. We're not sure what we're obsessed with the most; her oversized jumper and trousers, her gorgeous coat or the socks.
13 of 29Knitted Jumper & Jogger Co-ord
We LOVE loungewear which is why Billie Eilish's is definitely one of our favourite looks of the night. She's basically wearing a tracksuit on the red carpet which to be honest is a complete mood.
14 of 29Soft Trench Coat
To fully recreate Billie's outfit why not pair the tracksuit above with a trench coat from Monki? This outfit just screams cosy.
15 of 29Ashley Roberts
It may be winter but that hasn't stopped Ashley Roberts from wearing a crop top and matching maxi skirt. It's gold, embellished and totally glam.
16 of 29Champagne Satin Crop Top
Everyone loves a co-ord because you don't have to think much when putting your outfit together, which is why we're here for this champagne coloured one.
17 of 29Champagne Satin Slit Front Midi Skirt
This matching midi skirt just looks expensive which is why this co-ord is perfect for a night out and of course, pictures.
18 of 29Charli XCX in a black tulle gown by Fendi
Charli XCX wore a gorgeous black tulle gown by Fendi at the Brit Awards 2020.
19 of 29Cami Pleated Tulle Maxi Dress
Heading to a formal event? Then this maxi tulle dress from ASOS is a must.
20 of 29Abbey Clancy
Model Abbey Clancy opted to wear a a super-short black dress with train and we're getting superwoman vibes.
21 of 29Belted Cape Detail Blazer Dress
We've found a cheaper alternative of Abbey's mini dress - this cape blazer dress from Boohoo that's less than £30...
22 of 29Mel C
Spice Girls Mel C wore a simple black gown to the Brit Awards 2020. Simple but sophisticated.
23 of 29Black Wrap V Neck Slit Maxi Dress
AX Paris have a very similar version of Mel C's outfit; a v neck slit maxi dress for £30 - it's a yes from us.
24 of 29Amber Davies
Love Island 2017 winner Amber Davies opted for a strapless silver mini dress and we're so here for it.
25 of 29Silver Shimmer Corset Mini Bodycon Dress
Corset dresses are all the rage at the minute and after looking at this one from Quiz we can see why - it's gorgeous.
26 of 29Emily Atack
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! star Emily Atack opted for a black column dress for the Brit Awards.
27 of 29Sam Faiers Black Velvet Cowl Neck Split Maxi Dress
Sam Faiers partnered up with Quiz to create this black velvet maxi dress that has a thigh high slit.
28 of 29Maya Jama
Maya Jama wore an off-shoulder velvet gown and let's be honest - this presenter can't do any wrong when it comes to red carpet outfits.
29 of 29Wrap Off The Shoulder Maxi Bridesmaid Dress
This off the shoulder maxi thigh high slit dress from Boohoo has gone straight in our basket - less than £20 and looks VERY similar to Maya Jama's outfit.
Before they officially step back, Harry and Meghan will attend six events on behalf of the royals, including the Commonwealth Day Service – which Harry is an ambassador of.
The news comes after it emerged 15 of the couple’s former staff had been sacked, with confirmation following that they will no longer hold an office at Buckingham Palace from 1 April.
Harry, Meghan, and their nine-month-old son Archie relocated to Canada after their bombshell announcement in January, and are now reportedly living in a £11m mansion on Vancouver Island.
Reports last week also claimed the pair are currently eyeing up a £5.4m Malibu home to live in when they visit California.
They’ve been open about their struggle in the media spotlight since going public with their romance. In their documentary, An African Journey, last September, Meghan said, “Not many people have asked if I’m okay, but it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes. It’s hard.” A month later, Harry said in a statement that he couldn’t be “a silent witness to [Meghan’s] private suffering.”
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Steal Meghan Markle's style with these super cute winter boots
Since moving abroad, the couple have been pictured looking relaxed and happy, with Harry being snapped grinning while buying groceries in Canada last week. Friends of Meghan told People magazine that the pair are “enjoying their quiet new life” and are “much happier and less stressed”.
It also emerged that the pair have been working towards financial independence too, with Harry being paid for an appearance at a JP Morgan event in Miami earlier this month, and Meghan holding meetings with professors at Stanford University in California over the direction of their new charity.
You can read more celebrity news in this week's Closer magazine - out now.