Buckingham Palace has taken legal action against Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, alleging that the couple has violated their royal trademark by employing their royal title for their newly launched website, Sussex.com.

The website, unveiled earlier this week, showcases a royal coat of arms and bears the inscription, The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Additionally, the site provides links to their Archwell Foundation and Archwell Productions endeavors.

The move by the Sussexes has triggered indignation at Buckingham Palace, which contends that following their withdrawal as senior members of the royal family in 2020 and relocation to California, where they have been pursuing lucrative deals with prominent media platforms like Netflix and Spotify, the couple lacks the authority to utilize their royal designation or the royal coat of arms.

In a formal statement, Buckingham Palace disclosed that it has engaged legal representatives and lodged a lawsuit against the Sussexes for alleged trademark infringement, contract breach, and unfair competition.

The statement further elaborated that the legal action was initiated with the backing of Her Majesty the Queen and the Prince of Wales to safeguard the reputation and dignity of the monarchy and the royal household.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been formally notified of the lawsuit and urged to discontinue the use of their royal title and the royal coat of arms without delay.

According to the palace, the Sussexes were granted permission to employ their royal designation and the royal coat of arms as a gesture of goodwill when they departed from the royal family, with the stipulation that these symbols would not be utilized for commercial purposes or in a manner that undermines the principles and customs of the monarchy.

The palace contends that the Sussexes have transgressed the terms of the agreement by leveraging their royal title and the royal coat of arms for personal financial gain and associating them with contentious and polarizing causes and organizations.

Moreover, the palace asserts that the actions of the Sussexes have led to confusion and harm among the public and donors, who might erroneously believe that the couple still retains ties to or endorsement from the royal family.

The palace is seeking a restraining order to prevent the Sussexes from utilizing their royal title and the royal coat of arms, in addition to seeking damages and legal fees.

The lawsuit has evoked contrasting responses from the populace and the media, with some commending the palace for taking a resolute stance against the Sussexes, whom critics accuse of disrespecting and tarnishing the monarchy through their persistent criticisms and grievances.

Conversely, there are individuals who express sympathy towards Harry and Meghan, portraying them as victims of discrimination, bullying, and harassment from both the British press and the royal establishment.

Supporters and admirers of the Sussexes have condemned the palace’s actions as harsh, unjust, and vengeful towards the couple, who have encountered numerous obstacles and hardships since departing from the royal fold.

Harry and Meghan have refrained from commenting on the lawsuit thus far, but sources close to them assert that they are dismayed, wounded, and incensed by the palace’s legal maneuver, viewing it as a personal affront and retribution for their outspokenness and lifestyle choices.

The sources affirm that the couple is determined to retain their website and their title, vowing to uphold their rights and autonomy.

Harry and Meghan perceive the lawsuit as an assault on their identity and achievements, and they are resolute in defending their platform and reputation against what they perceive as unwarranted interference from the palace.