Prince Harry and Meghan's new website triggers massive wave of criticism, but they've done nothing wrong

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, whatever they do or sometimes don’t do, attract attention. Last week, the Duke made an express trip to London to visit his father. As expected, that visit triggered a wave of articles focusing on the length of that visit and what could have happened during it.

His wife, Meghan, was also in the spotlight at that time even though she didn’t make the trip. It’s that mere fact that was criticised and commented on. Now, a week after that, the royal couple is receiving backlash from the UK press because of a choice they made concerning their new website. We tell you what we know.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s new website

Maybe it’s because the news cycle is turning slowly or maybe it’s because Meghan and Harry are press favourites but on Tuesday 13 February their new website is all over the headlines.

The reason why is simple: the couple has reclaimed their royal titles and coat of arms and have used them on their website. However, as they do so, the couple make no mention of the Royal Family.

On the website, the two also enjoy lengthy biographies which list their many and various accomplishments. A move that is not going down well as it has been perceived as a lack of humility. However, as showy as these biographies are, they are true. And, as annoying as that may be for some, the titles and coat of arms are theirs to use.

The Duchess is described as a ‘feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity’ which is nothing new. She has always used that vocabulary when talking about her activism. Prince Harry is talked about as a ‘humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate, and environmental campaigner’, once again, true and the usual when it comes to the Prince.

The rest of the website is simple and focuses on the work. No pictures of the family. Just links to their various endeavours.

Reception of their website

As you would expect the use of their royal titles and coat of arms is not something that is being well received. Though they are allowed to use them as they are theirs, many point towards the fact that the Sussexes have done a lot to distance themselves from the Royal Family since 2020.

Indeed, they stepped down as working members and moved away from the UK. They have also publicly criticised The Firm in various ways including a shock interview with Oprah Winfrey, a Netflix docu-series and a memoir.

One X user comments:

Meghan Markle is using the royal crest on the website. The royal family she called abusive and racist 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Other X users are using this moment to further share their dislike of the couple and prove their failure. For instance one says:

#MeghanMarkle #PrinceHarry are really desperate & they are proving that without the Royal titles & connection they have nothing & can do nothing. #Sussexcom in the US is going to make them even more of a joke. 😂😂😂

However, it is important, when looking at those comments, to note the fact that Meghan Markle is more strongly criticised, as always—criticism that has often been rooted in prejudice.

Read more:

⋙ Meghan Markle: She may no longer be a working royal but she remains a Princess, here’s why

⋙ Prince Harry stripped of his Royal Highness title: What does it actually mean for the Duke?

⋙ Were Prince Harry and Meghan telling the truth? Fresh revelations could link Megxit to Prince William

Sources:

The Sussexes’ website

X