Royal commentators say her recent moves risk undermining the Firm
Meghan Markle is once again under scrutiny, with critics accusing her of blurring the lines between her royal status and her growing commercial work. Kinsey Schofield, host of Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered, spoke to Fox News Digital about why Meghan’s recent choices are raising concerns.
The issue centres on how she uses her Sussex title. While there is no formal ban on the title itself, Harry and Meghan agreed to stop using their HRH styles when they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Even so, Meghan was introduced as the Duchess of Sussex during an interview with Harper’s Bazaar while visiting a friend in New York. Schofield says this crossed into uncomfortable territory because the conversation promoted Meghan’s business projects.
According to Schofield, even if the couple aren’t technically breaking rules, the optics are poor. The agreement they made in 2020 was meant to prevent situations that could look like they were using their royal status to support commercial ventures. She argues that both Harry and Meghan continue to use their positions for profit. She pointed to Harry’s upcoming paid appearance at a hotel event in Toronto, noting that the fee isn’t tied to any relevant professional expertise.
Schofield added that this is exactly what the royal household hoped to avoid when it declined the couple’s “half-in, half-out” proposal. Anything that resembles cash for access or commercial endorsement risks damaging the monarchy’s reputation, which relies heavily on public trust and the appearance of impartial service.
As the son and daughter-in-law of the King, their actions continue to draw attention. Schofield says the pair often appear focused on boosting their own profile, a stark contrast to the image the Firm works to maintain. She believes this widening gap only increases the distance between the Sussexes and the rest of the family.
In her closing remarks, she suggested that the more Harry and Meghan mix their royal titles with business pursuits, the more the institution will step back, seeking to protect its credibility and avoid being tied to their commercial decisions.
