Meghan Markle has had several different business ventures since she and Prince Harry stepped down from their roles within the royal family in 2020.
The Duchess of Sussex has not only starred in her own Netflix cooking and gardening show, but she also became a podcast host and a saleswoman pushing jams and spreads for her lifestyle brand As Ever.
In early June, there were reports that Meghan now has ambitions to get into the hospitality business and wants to open her own hotel. The Sun reported that Prince Harry’s wife is trademarking As Ever for “hospitality services.” While all the details haven’t been disclosed, there’s a “provision of food and drink” and temporary lodging for guests included.
Now, someone who used to work for King Charles is revealing when and why the monarch would have no choice but to “step in” if Meghan does open a Casa de Sussex.
When King Charles would have to ‘step in’ with Meghan’s business ventures
Grant Harrold was King Charles’ butler for seven years. During his time working for the now-monarch, his duties included that of valet, housekeeper, house manager, and driver as well. Harrold also looked after Prince William and Prince Harry whenever the brothers were staying at Highgrove House.
Speaking on behalf of Prime Casino, Harrold told Showbiz Cheat Sheet: “I don’t quite know why she’ll want to go down that route, because from a hospitality point of view, that’s going to cost a lot of money, and then she has to run it. If it’s a failure, that’s going to be a very expensive failure.
“It’s difficult to know when you hear these stories, because why would you want to have the hassle of having a hotel. I can understand she wants to have a retreat or something because she’s into wellness, but a hotel doesn’t really make sense with her brand.”
The former royal butler added that he thinks there’s one thing Meghan would do that could push King Charles to “step in” as she continues with her ventures, saying: “If she was using her title for something, it’s possible they could step in. But it wouldn’t be King Charles phoning up personally, it would likely go through Harry.”
Why some don’t think the king will ever remove Meghan’s title
Stripping Harry and Meghan of their Sussex titles is something many don’t think King Charles will ever do. According to a courtier who previously spoke to Radar Online, King Charles will allow his eldest to remove their titles, but not until William takes the throne himself. In other words, it won’t be done as long as Charles is alive.
As to why the king won’t remove Harry and Meghan’s titles, the courtier says the monarch is too concerned about any damage it would cause to his reputation and backlash from the Sussexes’ supporters.
“The king was especially stung by Harry labeling him an emotionally cold father in his scathing memoir, Spare,” the Palace insider said. “But the monarch is very concerned about his image and fears backlash from his subjects. That’s why he’d never dare take away Harry’s Sussex title–despite all the hurt he’s caused.
“Behind the scenes, people are saying that the royals have quietly sanctioned the title removal–if Harry and Meghan step out of line again. The removal would require an Act of Parliament. But those in the know say the Palace has already called several secret meetings to discuss the possibility and put an actionable plan in place.”
