Duchess of Sussex: Meghan Markle's Title Is Proper Protocol Not a Statement
It appears that Meghan Markle is introduced by her noble designation — Duchess of Sussex — upon arriving at various venues. This practice was noted in her recent Harper’s Bazaar feature story. However, this custom doesn't appear to be unusual.
Etiquette specialist Myka Meier shared exclusively with Us Weekly that “from a perspective of proper decorum, the employment of a British title, whether in social or professional settings worldwide — the United States included — is neither uncommon nor inappropriate.” She added, “This holds particularly true when the individual is broadly recognized by that specific title.”
Meier elaborated, stating, “Ultimately, how each royal family member prefers to be addressed is a personal decision for that individual.”
Regarding Meghan specifically, Meier clarified, “Her title serves as the official form of address, which is likely the protocol her staff was instructed to follow when introducing her.” She concluded, “It largely comes down to the personal inclination or specific taste of each titled individual.”
The Origin of Last Names for Meghan and Other Royals
Meghan's featured article was released on Wednesday, November 19, presenting a primary image of the duchess clad in a black blazer with a belt, seated on a dark stool. The cover caption proclaimed, “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Embraces Her Spotlight.”
Inside the article, reporter Kaitlyn Greenidge recounted two distinct instances where Meghan was formally introduced by her title — initially during their encounter at the La Brea Tar Pits, and subsequently when Greenidge met Meghan at a friend's residence.
“A golf cart approaches, its tires grinding on the gravel. ‘The Duchess of Sussex,’ an individual in the gathering declares,” the feature piece states — marking the first mention of her title. “Meghan dismounts, attired in wide-leg pants, a silk top, and delicate pavé-diamond earrings from the Ukrainian label Guzema. These were a present from her spouse, Prince Harry, acquired during a recent journey to Kyiv for his Invictus Games Foundation.”
The subsequent occurrence appeared midway through the article.
“We find ourselves in a stately brownstone on the Upper East Side, owned by an acquaintance of Meghan’s,” Greenidge noted. “Upon my arrival, the household manager declares, ‘Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,’ despite the fact that we seemed to be the only other two individuals present in the dwelling.”
Meghan's nomenclature has generated considerable discussion throughout this year, commencing with the debut of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan in March. During the inaugural season, guest star Mindy Kaling consistently addressed her friend as “Meghan Markle” in her segment.
All Statements Meghan Markle Has Made Regarding Her Sussex Surname
“You continue to use ‘Meghan Markle.’ Are you aware I am now ‘Sussex’?” Meghan remarked at a certain juncture. Meghan’s legal name underwent a transformation upon her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018.
“My children and I share my [‘Sussex’] name,” Meghan shared in that identical episode. “I hadn't anticipated how significant it would feel, but it brings such immense joy to declare, ‘This is our collective surname!’”
Several months subsequently, Meghan was afforded the chance to elucidate the naming confusion, following the widespread circulation of her segment with Kaling.
“Are you Meghan Sussex? Or are you Meghan, Duchess of Sussex?” Emily Chang inquired of Meghan on The Circuit in August. “Does 'Markle' still appear on your passport? Is it a term we no longer employ?”
Meghan explicitly stated that “Sussex” was the family name she currently used.
“It presents a challenge for many to grasp, as a surname isn't conventional within that [royal] framework,” she clarified. “It's applied broadly, or rather, flexibly. It feels rather absurd to articulate.”
Meghan further stated, “I comprehend it, given my American background; then I moved there and began to understand. However, upon returning, as an American, one thinks, ‘I am utterly perplexed.’ It represents a dukedom.”
