The QUEEN FIGHTS back

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS ARE CRITICISED FOR THEIR ‘PETULANT’ REACTION AFTER THE MONARCH STEPS IN TO LAY DOWN THE LAW

New tensions between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the royal establishment boiled to the surface this week after the couple reacted badly to being told they were banned from using the brand ‘Sussex Royal’ for their charitable foundation and official website.

The Queen was forced to intervene personally to let them know that, if they didn’t want to be royals, use of the term was not appropriate. A Buckingham Palace statement read: “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.”

It was a humiliating blow for the embattled couple, who posted a 114-word response on their website hours later that many royal watchers saw as ‘petty’ and ‘petulant’ as it appeared to question the Queen’s authority over them.

“There is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word ‘Royal’ overseas,” it stated. “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.”