Imagine stepping away from royal life but still flashing your fancy titles to sell tickets and build brands. That is exactly what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have done since they left the UK in 2020. And now the public has spoken loud and clear. A fresh poll shows most people think it is just not right.
The story starts back in 2020. Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals. They signed an agreement with Queen Elizabeth II. No more public money. No using “His” or “Her Royal Highness” for business. But they kept the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles. The deal was simple: be fully out or stay in. No half-way cashing in on the royal name.
Fast forward to April 2026. The couple just wrapped a four-day trip to Australia. It mixed charity chats with paid events. Meghan hosted an “ultimate girls’ weekend” in Sydney. Fans paid up to £1,700 for photos and questions. Reports say she pocketed around £130,000 in one afternoon. Harry spoke at a big summit where platinum tickets cost £1,250. Insiders called it a “faux royal tour” part good cause, part money maker. They even plan to repeat the formula.
People noticed. And they did not like it
An exclusive Mail on Sunday poll asked 2,000 British adults a straight question. Should Harry and Meghan use their Sussex titles for commercial or personal gain? Sixty-one percent said no. Only 16 percent said yes. Twenty-three percent were unsure. Strip out the unsure votes and it becomes an 80-20 landslide against them. Four out of five people who picked a side think the titles should stay off the business table.
That is the overwhelming verdict
Why does it bother so many? Simple. Titles carry weight. When you hear “Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” you picture crowns, castles, and centuries of tradition. Using them to sell tickets or promote shopping pages feels like borrowing the family shine for personal profit. One royal watcher put it plainly: the public wants them to pick a side. You cannot quit the firm and still trade on the brand.
Look at the bigger picture. YouGov polls from early 2026 show how low their popularity has sunk in Britain. Meghan sits at just 19 percent positive views and 66 percent negative. Harry fares a bit better at 31 percent positive but still 60 percent negative. In America their numbers have slipped too. Yet they keep the titles front and centre in announcements, rebrands, and tours.
Take their charity work. They rebranded Archewell and signed off as the Duke and Duchess. Critics say it blurs the line between helping others and helping their own image. Meghan also runs an online shop that sells outfits she wore during “charitable” appearances. Fans pay premium prices because the items carry that royal glow.
Social media exploded after the Australia trip. X posts called it a “grubby cash grab.” Others said, “If you want to be private, drop the titles.” Even some who like the couple admit the optics look off. One fan wrote, “They left to be free but still want the royal VIP treatment when it pays.”
Of course, Harry and Meghan see it differently. They say the titles are just their family name now. They argue they bring value through Invictus Games, mental health talks, and women’s empowerment. Supporters point out other royals have side gigs too. But the public draws a line at using the Sussex label to charge top dollar.
The poll also shines light on bigger royal money questions. Fifty-four percent want Prince William to share more details about his Duchy of Cornwall income. People want transparency across the board. But the Sussex issue stands out because Harry and Meghan chose to leave. They gave up the working-royal perks on purpose.
So what happens next? The poll sends a clear message to King Charles and the palace. Most Brits do not want the Sussexes trading on royal titles. Some even call for stripping the titles completely. Others say just enforce the 2020 rules more strictly. Either way, the public has drawn its line in the sand.
Harry and Meghan built a new life in Montecito. They have Netflix deals, books, and speaking gigs. No one denies they work hard. But the royal connection still opens doors – and wallets. The question is whether that connection should stay part of the sales pitch.
The verdict feels final because it matches years of grumbling. From the Oprah interview to Spare to the latest tour, each move seems to poke the bear. And the bear – British public opinion – has growled back louder than ever.
In the end, this is about fairness. Royals who stay and serve get the titles and the respect. Those who leave get freedom but lose the royal branding rights. At least that was the deal. When it looks like the rules bend for profit, people get cross. And right now, four out of five who have an opinion are very cross indeed.
The Sussexes have a choice. Keep pushing the royal angle and risk more backlash. Or drop the titles in business and see if their own star power holds up. The public has voted. The ball is in their court.
