Royal rule protects Meghan Markle's royal title even if she loses Sussex name
'Leave them, ignore them, and let them get on with it'The reason why Meghan Markle will always have her royal Sussex title, even though the late Queen ordered the duchess not to use the HRH title officially, is much simpler than you think.
When Meg tied the knot with Prince Harry back in 2018, she was bestowed the title of Duchess of Sussex. But, when the pair walked away from The Firm two years later, speciation was rife as to whether they should give up their title.
And it was since ‘revealed’ why Meghan will ‘always’ have a royal title – even if King Charles steps in.
Why Meghan Markle will always have her royal Sussex title – even after Queen stripped HRH from her
Editor-in-Chief of Majesty Magazine, Ingrid Seward, claimed Meghan Markle will always have a royal title, but it could spark some confusion, as it might not be the one we’re used to – Sussex.
Ingrid said: “I don’t think anything will happen to the titles, because, if they lose their titles, Harry is still a prince of the blood. Meghan, instead of being the Duchess of Sussex, would be Princess Henry… That would really [confuse the Americans].”
When Prince Harry was born in 1984, it was announced that he would be named Prince Henry Charles Albert David. But it was later revealed the youngster would be known by Harry. By marrying a prince, Meghan can take a princess title but only with her husband’s name. Hence Princess Henry!
Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s surname drama explained and how royal family would take ‘action’
It’s the same rule for Catherine, the Princess of Wales. She has every right to be known as Princess William, but chose to use her titles instead, with them being Duchess of Cambridge and later the Princess of Wales when Charles ascended to the throne in 2022.
Most modern royal family members opt out of following this tradition, as it’s typically princess plus their husband’s name.
Ingrid added to The Royal Beat: “I think [it’s] probably best just to leave it because it looks unkind, it looks unnecessary. The Queen gave them the titles, let them keep them – they’re going to be ‘H’ and ‘M’ anyway.
“I think the best thing is to leave them, ignore them, and let them get on with it – which is really what the Palace and the royal family are doing.”
Meghan Markle received backlash after using HRH title and asking people to call her ‘Sussex’
After the first season of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, aired on the streaming giant in March 2025, Markle received backlash for using her HRH title.
The royal conducted her first sit-down podcast interview as the duchess weeks later, with long-term friend Jamie Kern Lima. During the chat, which was aired on YouTube and other listening platforms, IT Cosmetics founder Jamie shared a photo of a gift basket Meghan had given her during a stressful weekend. In the picture, there was a handwritten note on printed headed paper that featured the words: “HRH The Duchess of Sussex”.
However, when Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior members of the royal family, they agreed to not use their titles in an official capacity. But eagle-eyed royal watchers claimed she shouldn’t use it at all and it was disrespecting The Firm and late Queen’s wish.
A representative of the duchess responded to the backlash clarifying that neither the Duke or Duchess of Sussex use their titles in a professional manner, as this was a personal message.
Although, royal fans have voted to say the couple should have their HRH titles stripped completely. While others have made calls for Prince William to do the deed when he takes the throne.
During her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, the royal also corrected her pal Mindy Kaling for calling her ‘Markle’ over her Sussex title. The 44-year-old told her that her name was Meghan Sussex now.
Read more: Valid reason Meghan Markle is ‘not a princess’ despite calling herself one
Meghan and Harry’s children titles
It was reported in 2023 that Harry and Meghan wanted to carry on using the titles for their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Prior to this though, there were discussions apparently over a title for Archie. What’s more, it was allegedly refused because Harry and Meghan’s fears.
In line with royal tradition, the youngster was due to be styled using his father’s subsidiary title. This is the Earl of Dumbarton. Apparently, though, the new parents didn’t want their son to be referred to as a title that had the word “dumb” in.
An insider claimed: “They didn’t like the idea of Archie being called the Earl of Dumbarton because it began with the word ‘dumb’ [and] they were worried about how that might look.” While second source alleged the issue “also bothered Harry” not just Meghan.
It comes after the royal complained to Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that her son was not born a prince. She wrongly claimed that the royal family ‘changed the rules’ when she was expected her son Archie, when only the monarch’s grandchildren were automatically styled as a prince or princess.
Harry and Meghan’s children became Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet when Charles became king.
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