Duke and Duchess of Sussex: Harry and Meghan trademark their brand 'Sussex Royal'
From books to calendars and clothing to counselling services, the brand Sussex Royal is now protected.
Saturday 28 December 2019 21:02, UK
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have trademarked their brand "Sussex Royal", prompting speculation they may intend to roll out branded products.
The application to trademark Sussex Royal was published on the intellectual property office website on 20 December.
Prince Harry and Meghan, who are currently in Canada on a break from public duties, have submitted trademark applications for a number of items and services.
The list includes:
- Books, magazines, cards, notepads, calendars
- Clothing and hats
- Promotional and campaigning materials, including for fundraising
- Educational purposes, including providing training, running activities and lectures
- Social care services, including counselling services and providing support
By submitting the application, the Sussexes may be looking to spread their brand and release merchandise and services, or their application could be an attempt to block a third party from using the Sussex Royal brand.
The application was submitted on 21 June this year but was published just before Christmas.
The brand Sussex Royal, which is used as the username on their Instagram account followed by almost 10 million, is owned by the foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and is represented by the law firm Harbottle and Lewis.
It comes two months after Prince Harry spoke out about the "powerful forces" that led to his mother's death as he and Meghan announced they are suing a Sunday newspaper.
The couple and their seven-month-old son Archie are spending their six-week Christmas break in the country Meghan called home for seven years.
The duchess lived in Toronto before joining the Royal Family, as the popular US drama Suits, in which she starred, was filmed in the Canadian city.
Harry and Meghan were pictured together in Toronto at the 2017 Invictus Games.
Prince Harry's grandmother, the Queen, is said to have been supportive of the Sussexes' plan to take a long break and not join the rest of the Royal Family at Sandringham on Christmas Day.
Prince Harry has used his break to record a video to children of members of the British Armed Forces who have died.
Dressed as Father Christmas, Harry sent his wishes to nearly 200 children at a party organised by the Scotty's Little Soldiers charity earlier this month.