Meghan Markle, the woman who famously distanced herself from the rigid traditions of the British monarchy in pursuit of a life filled with freedom and privacy in sunny California, seems unable to sever her royal ties completely.
Despite her declarations of independence, she has once again been spotted flaunting a connection to the institution she so publicly denounced. This time, it comes in the form of a new signet ring, elegantly engraved with her royal cipher. The very Meghan who decried the monarchy as outdated and oppressive, who portrayed herself as a victim of its constraints, now proudly displays a symbol of the very institution she claimed to despise. But why let a little contradiction stand in the way?
During her visit to Canada for the Invictus Games, keen-eyed royal watchers noticed the striking new addition to her jewelry collection. On her right pinky finger sat a freshly crafted signet ring, prominently featuring the monogram she and Prince Harry introduced at the time of their 2018 wedding. The design—an intertwined "H" and "M" crowned with a coronet—was previously used on their Sussex Royal website and social media platforms. For a couple so determined to relinquish their royal duties, they certainly seem unwilling to let go of royal branding. In 2021, after facing public backlash for continuing to use their cipher despite stepping down as senior royals, Meghan and Harry begrudgingly transitioned to their Archewell branding. Yet, here in 2025, Meghan appears more than happy to reclaim that regal association.
Her entire public persona seems to hinge on maintaining a royal identity, despite her efforts to portray herself as an independent force in Hollywood. For years, she has spoken about the monarchy as a stifling and toxic institution, yet she cannot seem to let go of the titles, crests, or symbols that reinforce her status. She has worked tirelessly to rebrand herself as a philanthropist, a thought leader in the podcasting world, and an aspirational lifestyle figure. However, deep down, she seems to recognize that none of these endeavors hold the same gravitas as her duchess title. Without her royal connections, she struggles to command the same level of attention and influence. Like a child unwilling to part with a discarded toy, she continually reminds the world of her supposed importance through these lingering royal associations.
If the signet ring were the only instance, perhaps it could be dismissed as an oversight. But Meghan has demonstrated time and again that she is not willing to abandon the royal aesthetic. From the infamous "Duchess of Sussex" Dior handbag to monogrammed doormats, rumored personalized linens, and other lavish tributes to her former royal status, she appears eager to surround herself with reminders of the very institution she claimed to reject. The irony is impossible to ignore—she once accused the monarchy of being a colonialist, racist institution, yet she has no issue leveraging its symbols when they serve her interests.
For someone who insists she has moved on from royal life, Meghan certainly devotes a great deal of energy to proving she is still part of it. She refuses to relinquish her title, continues to embrace royal iconography, and surrounds herself with people who perpetuate the narrative that she remains a modern-day princess. At this point, her attempts to cling to the past feel more pitiful than powerful.
