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It has been reported that Buckingham Palace has sent a cease and desist order to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Archewell Foundation regarding staff wearing pins featuring the Duke and Duchess's royal monogram. This latest move has once again brought the couple's ongoing battle to maintain aspects of their royal status into the spotlight, with critics accusing them of desperately trying to act like "American Royals."
The incident occurred during Harry's recent visit to New York for events surrounding the UN General Assembly. A member of his entourage was spotted wearing the controversial pin, which features the couple's signature interlocking "H" and "M" logo. To many, the pin has been seen as a desperate attempt by the Sussexes to cling to their royal past even as they have stepped back from official duties and relocated to the US.
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On social media, opinions were harsh. "If you need any more evidence that Harry and Meghan are pathetically trying to be America's Royals, this is it," commented one user on the Express. Another went further, stating "They are make believe sick prince and princess in the USA...aren't they a bit dim thinking that we would open our political arena to them?"
The palace's decision to send a cease and desist order is widely perceived as a clear message that the couple's attempts to maintain aspects of their royal status are unwelcome. It comes amid ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the wider royal family in the wake of their explosive televised interviews and accusations of racism within the institution.
The controversy around the Archewell pins is just the latest in a long line of incidents that have fueled perceptions of the Sussexes as desperate for attention and relevance. From their lavish wedding to their bombshell confessions with Oprah, critics argue the couple has used their royal connections to further their own agenda and celebrity brand.
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One social media user argued the pin scenario amounted to little more than vain displays typical of politicians, commenting "this is what ambassadors and politicians do, where they pin their country's flag on it." Even staff of the future king and queen consort, William and Catherine, are not "forced to wear something so stupid," the user added. Another called the pin episode "real desperation for relevance."
The Palace's decision has also been interpreted by some as a strategic distancing of the royal family from the controversial actions of the Sussexes. With their recent trip to Colombia criticized as an unofficial "press junket" and exploiting images of poverty, Buckingham Palace may aim to shield the monarchy's reputation and avoid being dragged into further disputes regarding Harry and Meghan's questionable behavior.
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A travel industry PR consultant voiced this view, telling News Nation the Colombia trip "is basically a free press trip...Trips like these are for social media influencers and media. Maybe that's what they're now, influences." Ongoing charitable work is of course valuable, but using titles and status to court publicity draws unfavorable comparisons to reality stars, critics argue.
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The saga of Harry and Meghan's post-royal status continues gripping public attention as each new development in their relationship with the palace breeds commentary. As the Sussexes fight to maintain elements of royal prestige in their new American lifestyle and business empire, the Archewell pin controversy will likely not be the last clash with the tradition-bound House of Windsor over where to draw the line. With their popularity slumping in polls and criticism mounting, even devoted Sussex fans may start questioning how their role as self-styled humanitarian celebrities can avoid accusations of exploitation and undermining the dignity of the institution they left behind.
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