Harry, Meghan accused of blurring line between charity, celebrity branding

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing new questions over security and celebrity branding following their headline-making Australian tour.

According to a journalist, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have blurred the fine line between public service and personal business.

While Harry continues fighting for taxpayer-funded protection for his family in the UK, Meghan has drawn attention on herself for promoting fashion during the trip.

During an appearance on Sky News Australia, UK barrister and broadcaster Andrew Eborn was asked if Meghan would use Harry’s taxpayer-funded security for him, in case he wins, for UK visits to generate income.

“Every little clip that she used to have of her, you can now go to her website and order,” he said. “You could basically click on everything and, for several thousand dollars, get such-and-such a dress.

“She wore such-and-such an outfit, and they’re raising questions,” he added.

Speaking about Harry’s ongoing security concerns, he said, “Security has been one of the key things Harry’s very concerned about, and rightly concerned about. But the question is who finances it.”

“As they’re no longer working royals, the point was that they have to finance it themselves,” he continued, noting that the issue is “currently being reviewed” ahead of Harry’s expected UK visit for the Invictus Games.

Referring to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s stance on royal duties, the commentator said: “If you’re a working royal, you can’t be half in, half out. You have to be totally dedicated.”

“So if you’re doing a mixture of charitable works and various other things, then it does raise questions,” he added. “Certainly, that Australian trip they made, where every single time you clicked on her outfit you could buy it, does raise those questions.”