Subscribe
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex launched their new website, Sussex.com, on Monday, but their decision, including the use of their Coat of Arms has been met with criticism.
A testimony made by Meghan about her decision to work with Article, the designers behind the site, was unearthed on Wednesday.
She said: "There is a reason I have worked with Ryan and the talented team at Article for a decade: their attention to detail, their creativity and care, and the thoughtful approach to design as well as to the user experience.
"They're not just designers; they are collaborators who elevate your ideas into visual identities. They're a very special company. Plus they're Canadian, so I'm a fan."
While many first thought that the Duchess' comments were in defence of launching Sussex.com, HELLO! understands that Ryan and the Duchess have worked together for many years and that she offered this testimony a while ago in support of his work.
As well as designing Harry and Meghan's website and their pages for The Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions, Article are the company behind Meghan's now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig.
HELLO! understands that the website is being operated by the Office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as a "one-stop shop" for all their activities.
As well as linking to their Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions, the site links back to the controversial Sussex Royal website that Harry and Meghan set up to announce their decision to step back as senior royals in January 2020.
HELLO! understands the site is linked to Sussex.com as a cultural and historical reference and separate to the new website.
The site will also share news about the couple's work. On Tuesday it was announced that the Duchess had signed a deal with Lemonada Media to launch a new podcast series.
The Sussexes' deal with streaming giant Spotify ended last summer after one series of Meghan's audio show, Archetypes.
Meghan's statement about Sussex.com comes hours after she and Harry touched down in Vancouver to begin their three-day visit to Canada to mark the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.
LISTEN: A Right Royal Podcast – King Charles' cancer diagnosis
