Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Sussex Brand Won't Suffer by Losing the Word "Royal," an Expert Says
- This week, a spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed that the couple will refrain from using the word "royal" when branding themselves following their resignation from their work as senior members of the royal family.
- Personal branding expert Deborah Ogden says that the move shouldn't have a big negative impact on the Sussex family brand going forward.
- Ogden points to Harry and Meghan's immense levels of fame worldwide and says that dropping "royal" from their brand shouldn't affect its value much.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lost a branding battle this week. The couple confirmed on Friday that they would no longer use the word "royal" in their personal branding after they step back from their positions as working royals this spring.
How will this impact the couple's global brand (and, more importantly, their earning potential now they're working toward financial independence)? Not much at all, according to personal branding expert Deborah Ogden.
Speaking to Yahoo UK, Ogden explained that Harry and Meghan's brand will remain strong sans "royal" because the couple "have been clever in the causes they have supported and messages they have put out there."
"With a personal brand, there is no question that they have invested their profile globally and established that," she said. "But it’s my belief that a personal brand is more than a logo, so what they would spend time building is a strong reputation and strong profile to support certain causes."
That's not to say that dropping "royal" from the Sussex brand won't have any effect, but Ogden is confident it will be minimal.
"They will lose some value from the Sussex Royal brand but my belief is that Prince Harry will always be Prince Harry therefore in the UK market, the American market, and the global markets that recognize the British Royal Family, I’m not sure taking it away will have a huge impact," she said.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Even though the change might not have a huge impact on their brand's reach in the future, Harry and Meghan have still made it clear they aren't happy with the decision, to which the Queen reportedly pressured them to agree.
In a statement detailing their spring 2020 transition plan, Harry and Meghan (rather passive aggressively) pointed out that "there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word 'Royal' overseas."
In January, the couple's attempts to trademark "Sussex Royal" were temporarily blocked.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
I Tried Biologique Recherche's Two-Hour Scalp Detox Treatment
Is the French-girl favorite worth the hype?
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence's Maternity Style Era Is Off to a Must-Shop Start
She knows what she likes—and how to wear it.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'The Lincoln Lawyer' Finale Teased A Game-Changing Cliffhanger—Will There Be a Season 4?
We're on the case of whether or not Mickey Haller and co. are coming back to Netflix.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
During His Royal Tour in Australia, King Charles Reveals One Way He Won't Be Following in Prince Harry's Footsteps
"If I was a younger man."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Reportedly Purchased Portugal Home to Stay "Connected" to the Royals
A royal expert called the move "extremely significant."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Eugenie Is Reportedly in a "Precarious Position" Between Prince Harry and King Charles
"Eugenie is in a difficult spot."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Fans Can’t Get over Prince Harry’s Seriously Impressive Surfing Skills in New Video: “In His Season of Joy”
He's a true Californian now.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Royal Expert Claims Princess Kate is Done "Playing Peacemaker" With King Charles, Prince Harry and Prince William
"She did try over a period of years and finally threw up her hands in disgust."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
How Taylor Swift Has Entered the Chat When It Comes to Prince Harry's Security
One royal commentator said there was a "double standard" when it came to police protection in the U.K.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle Has Offered to "Help" Her 'Suits' Costars With Their Rewatch Podcast
"It's lovely to still have that kind of support and friendship after so many years apart."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals One Thing Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Share With Mom Meghan Markle
Lucky kids.
By Kristin Contino Published