A renewed strain in the relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William has reportedly been sparked by a small but symbolically powerful detail: the use of the royal style “HRH.”
The initials—short for “His/Her Royal Highness”—are traditionally reserved for senior, working members of the royal family. While Harry and Meghan Markle retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles after stepping back from royal duties in 2020, they agreed not to use the HRH style in any active or official capacity.
The Sandringham Agreement Set the Boundaries
This arrangement was part of the so-called “Sandringham Summit,” an agreement reached between Queen Elizabeth II, then-Prince Charles, and the Sussexes.
At the time, a formal statement clarified: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”
Controversy Sparked by a Gift Tag
The latest flare-up stems from a social media post shared earlier this year by entrepreneur and Meghan’s friend, Jamie Kern Lima. In the photo, a luxury gift basket—reportedly featuring items from Meghan’s own brand, including artisanal jams and edible flower petals—was tagged as being from “HRH The Duchess of Sussex.”
While “Duchess of Sussex” is still a valid title, the inclusion of “HRH” has raised eyebrows within royal circles and among commentators, who see it as a potential breach of the 2020 agreement.
A Question of Timing and Intent
Royal analysts say the use of the title, especially in connection with a branded product, risks blurring the line between royal identity and personal enterprise—something the original agreement aimed to avoid.
Speaking to Paris Match, royal biographer Stéphane Bern noted, “These three letters have reignited tensions at the very heart of the monarchy.”
Sources close to the palace suggest that William may view the move as yet another instance of his brother stepping outside agreed-upon boundaries, deepening what has already become a prolonged and painful rift.
