Duchess Meghan’s Rebranding Sparks Controversy in Spanish Town
Amidst the glamour and high-profile of their royal lives, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have inadvertently stirred up a storm in the sleepy town of Porreres on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca. The cause of the commotion? Meghan’s decision to rebrand her lifestyle brand, which has drawn striking similarities to the town’s age-old coat of arms.
A Striking Resemblance
At the heart of the controversy lies the new logo for Meghan’s lifestyle brand, "As Ever." The design features a palm tree flanked by two birds, a visual representation that bears an uncanny resemblance to the coat of arms of Porreres. The original coat of arms, dating back to 1370, depicts two swallows instead of hummingbirds, although the overall composition remains remarkably similar.
Outcry in Porreres
The likeness between the two designs did not go unnoticed in Porreres, where the town’s mayor, Xisca Mora, expressed her dismay and announced her intention to request that Meghan retract the logo. "It’s a complete copy of the coat of arms of Porreres," Mora told the Spanish newspaper "El País." The similarity has also sparked criticism on social media, where people have questioned the appropriateness of using a town’s symbol for commercial purposes.
Legal Complications
While the resemblance between the logo and the coat of arms is undeniable, the legal implications of Meghan’s actions are complex. Mora has indicated that she has consulted with her town’s legal department but has concluded that pursuing a plagiarism case against the Duchess would be financially and legally challenging. "A plagiarism lawsuit is complicated and expensive, and a small town like ours is not in a position to fight against the English crown," Mora said.
A Surreal Twist
Despite the potential legal complexities, the controversy has brought unexpected attention to the little town of Porreres. Mora acknowledges the irony of the situation, saying, "It’s surreal… We feel international. At least now many people around the world will come to know that there’s a town in the interior of Mallorca that has this coat of arms."
Royal Scrutiny
Harry and Meghan have been no strangers to negative media coverage in recent years, facing scrutiny over everything from their choice of residence to their public appearances. The latest controversy adds another layer to the challenges they face in navigating the public eye.
Conclusion
The rebranding of Meghan’s lifestyle brand has inadvertently ignited a debate about intellectual property rights and the use of local symbols. While the Duchess has yet to comment on the matter directly, the controversy highlights the complexities of operating in the public spotlight and the potential impact of even seemingly innocuous actions.
