Harry and Meghan Face Backlash for Their Latest Move—And We Aren't Even Surprised
Controversy’s favorite couple, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, are once again dominating headlines, and this time, it’s a familiar issue wrapped in new packaging. The royal duo recently attended the Sundance Film Festival to mark the debut of their documentary, Cookie Queens, but the buzz quickly spiraled into backlash. While there was no uproar over their motives this time, critics accused the couple of misusing their royal titles, reigniting a debate that refuses to die.
Directed by Alysa Nahmias, the documentary is close to both Harry and Markle's hearts, based on the chronicles of four driven Girl Scouts who embody bold personalities and aspirations. During the credits of the documentary, eagle-eyed netizens noticed Harry and Markle as the executive producers, with them labeled with their Sussex titles. While it may seem normal to some, it is rather questionable, as the late Queen Elizabeth instructed them to never use their titles for commercial reasons.
'Meghan, Duchess of Sussex' and 'Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex,' read the credits, causing uproar. Sharing a snapshot of the credits, a user posted on social media, as highlighted by Express, "I thought they were banned from using royal titles for commercial purposes?" To which one commented, "They are. This is just one of the many reasons why those titles need to be stripped, stat. If they're not lying, manipulating, or attacking, they're using the titles for commercial gain. They continually bring the Royal Family's good name down to the sewers where they dwell."
Many were far from on board with the couple continuing to use their royal titles and urged them to follow established protocols. Calling them out, one netizen wrote, “It looks so very pathetic. Very desperate…” while another added, “Hurry up, William, and strip them of the Sussex title.” However, not everyone was critical of Harry and Markle, as some voices came forward in their defense.
Defending Markle, a user penned on the Royal Observer, "Queen Elizabeth gave Meghan the title of Duchess, but the way you folk denounce Meghan for using the given title as if a woman of color is not allowed to use regardless of her being married to a Prince." They further continued, "You think we don't see or read how prejudiced you people act toward Meghan. She is kind too kind and too good for the haters." While people critiqued the couple, they looked happy and excited about their new project.
Harry and Markle looked calm and composed at the festival, with the Duchess wearing a navy blue peacoat paired with an all-black outfit and matching boots. She completed her look with diamond earrings and her statement rings. She opted for a clean look with bronzed makeup and hair tied in a high ponytail. Harry perfectly complemented her in a black puffer jacket and trousers with a white shirt.