A simple gift basket meant to comfort a friend has sparked fresh controversy for the Duchess of Sussex, thanks to a card bearing a title she reportedly agreed not to publicly use.
Meghan Markle’s appearance on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast,” which premiered on April 28, 2025, sparked more than just conversation — it ignited criticism. During the episode, Jamie Kern Lima, founder of IT Cosmetics, recounted a personal moment in which Meghan had shown her kindness during a stressful time.
“All of a sudden,” Lima recalled, “you dropped off this gift basket with ice creams, homemade strawberry sauce to put on top of the ice cream…It was like as if you’re in my shoes feeling what I was feeling, without me even needing to tell you anything.” The gesture, she said, added unexpected value and emotional support when she needed it most.
As she spoke, an image of the basket appeared on screen — filled with Straus Family Creamery ice cream, the Duchess’s homemade strawberry sauce, and a card bearing a crown emblem and the message, “With the compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.”
The card instantly stirred controversy online. Viewers were quick to point out Meghan’s use of the “HRH” (Her Royal Highness) styling — something she and Prince Harry had reportedly agreed not to use following their exit from royal duties.
“Royal title is WRONG!” one netizen commented in part. Another shared, “Its [sic] such a slap in the face to the late queen because she told them they weren’t allowed to use HRH anymore.”
Someone else wrote, “This will be highly frowned upon as it goes against Queen Elizabeth II wishes.. Not to profit from the Royal name and unable to use HRH. Our last Queens wishes [sic].”
A fourth person typed, “I thought they couldn’t use HRH??” while a fifth added, “She’s blatantly disrespectful …the woman is uncouth!” Other critics accused Meghan of emphasizing her royal title while showing little respect for the institution itself.
Some questioned why a gift to a personal friend would be labeled with the HRH title, which Meghan is believed to no longer be permitted to use. They further called out the gesture and suggested it was inappropriate and self-important.
Commenters pointed out that both Prince Harry and Meghan are no longer authorized to use the HRH styling and argued that the couple should be held accountable for continuing to use it publicly.
Several voices online claimed the Duchess of Sussex was defying the late Queen’s Sandringham agreement by using the HRH title, with some urging Buckingham Palace to intervene and prevent further misuse.
The backlash renewed attention on the royal couple’s step back from royal life — specifically the terms under which they left. On February 19, 2021, the Palace formally confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would not be returning as working members of the Royal Family.
A statement shared at the time read in part, “Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.”
“The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family. While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family,” the statement continued.
After a year-long review following their departure from royal duties, it was confirmed that the honorary military roles and patronages Prince Harry would return included the Royal Marines, RAF Honington, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving, as well as key charitable and Commonwealth associations.
Earlier, on January 18, 2020, the Palace had also announced that, “while they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty. The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”
That said, a representative for the Sussexes clarified, “Harry and Meghan retain their HRH titles; however, by agreement, they do not use them for commercial purposes. While they do not publicly use HRH, this was a personal gift, and their titles remain.”
The moment served as a reminder of the delicate balance the couple continues to navigate between public perception and personal identity. Beyond the titles and scrutiny, during her podcast appearance, Meghan also offered a rare and intimate look into the world she and Prince Harry have built since stepping away from royal duties.
Lima brought up a recent public comment made by the Duke, stating how “happy” he was for her and how he “fully support absolutely everything” his wife did. Meghan, hearing those words for the first time during the recording, smiled in surprise and responded warmly, calling Harry a “great partner” and saying she feels his support every day.
“That man loves me so much,” she said, describing the joy of raising their two children and likening Prince Harry to a hero from a video game. “He’s just going to do whatever he can to make sure that our family is safe and protected and we’re uplifted — and still make time for date nights.”
She described their relationship as entering a new phase — more grounded, peaceful, and full of mutual admiration. “I feel like it’s more of a honeymoon period for us now,” she explained, noting that their earliest days together were marked by intense public pressure.
The podcast offered a rare glimpse into the couple’s life away from palace walls — a life filled with intentionality, family, and emotional partnership. Meghan also spoke about how she supports Prince Harry in his own work, including the Invictus Games.
