Meghan Markle's Duchess of Sussex Introduction Sparks Royal Protocol Debate
UPDATE, 11/21/25 at 1:07 p.m. ET:
A number of specialists have shared their opinions regarding Meghan Markle being introduced by her Duchess of Sussex title.
Richard Fitzwilliams informed the Daily Mail that Meghan’s actions violate established royal protocol. In fact, the Harper’s Bazaar journalist should have been presented to Meghan — rather than the duchess herself being announced. (Debrett’s guide to etiquette conveys a similar sentiment.)
“Meghan aims to cultivate an angelic image in the interview by refraining from negative remarks about anyone and projecting an aura of positivity,” he conveyed to the publication. “Nevertheless, her employment of her title in this incredibly amusing manner reveals a great deal about her character. She could be by herself and still have an announcement made.”
Original story continues below:
Meghan Markle seemingly receives an introduction by her official designation — Duchess of Sussex — upon entering a new venue. This is, at least, according to her recent Harper’s Bazaar feature story. However, this practice does not appear to be out of the ordinary.
“From a standpoint of proper conduct, the use of a British title, whether socially or professionally across the globe — including in the U.S. — is neither uncommon nor inappropriate,” etiquette expert Myka Meier shared exclusively with Us Weekly. “Particularly when the individual is widely recognized by that particular title.”
Meier further clarified, “The decision on how each royal family member prefers to be addressed ultimately rests with that specific person.”
In Meghan’s situation specifically, “her title would represent the formal mode of address, which is likely how her team has been instructed to introduce her,” Meier added. “It’s more a matter of the individual’s personal flair or preference for those who hold a title.”
Where Meghan and Royals Get Their Last Names From
Meghan’s cover feature debuted on Wednesday, November 19, and the primary photograph depicted the duchess in a black blazer cinched with a belt, seated on a black stool. “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Meets Her Moment,” declared the coverline.
Within the narrative, journalist Kaitlyn Greenidge recounted two distinct instances where Meghan was introduced by her title — the first during their meeting at the La Brea Tar Pits and the subsequent occasion when Greenidge met Meghan at a friend’s residence.
“A golf cart approaches, its tires crunching on the gravel. ‘The Duchess of Sussex,’ an individual amidst the gathering declares,” the profile states — marking the initial mention of her title. “Meghan disembarks, clad in wide-leg trousers, a silk blouse, and a small set of pavé-diamond stud earrings by the Ukrainian brand Guzema. These were a present from her husband, Prince Harry, acquired during a recent journey to Kyiv with his Invictus Games Foundation.”
The second occurrence emerged approximately halfway through the article.
“We are inside a grand brownstone on the Upper East Side, which belongs to one of Meghan’s acquaintances,” Greenidge penned. “Upon my entrance, the house manager announces, ‘Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,’ even though we seem to be the only two other individuals present in the house.”
Meghan’s name has been a frequently discussed subject this year, ever since her Netflix program With Love, Meghan launched in March. Guest Mindy Kaling consistently referred to her friend as “Meghan Markle” in her episode during the inaugural season.
Everything Meghan Markle Has Said About Her Sussex Last Name
“You persistently use ‘Meghan Markle.’ Are you aware I am ‘Sussex’ now?” Meghan questioned at one point. Meghan’s name did officially change upon her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018.
“I share my [‘Sussex’] name with my offspring,” Meghan stated during the same installment. “I hadn’t realized how significant it would become to me, but it genuinely means so much to proclaim, ‘This is our family name!’”
Several months subsequent, Meghan had the chance to clarify the naming confusion after her segment with Kaling continued to circulate widely.
“Are you Meghan Sussex? Are you Meghan, Duchess of Sussex?” Emily Chang inquired of Meghan on The Circuit in August. “Is Markle still on your passport? Is it a term we no longer employ?”
Meghan made it unequivocal that “Sussex” was the family name she was currently using.
“It’s a complex matter for people to grasp, because a last name isn’t conventional within that [royal] framework,” she elaborated. “It’s applied roughly, or rather, loosely. It sounds quite absurd to articulate.”
Meghan further added, “I understand, because I’m American, and then I went there and began to comprehend. But then you return, and as an American, you think, ‘I’m utterly bewildered.’ It’s a dukedom.”
