In a surprising yet significant personal decision, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has officially changed her last name. Now known as “Meghan Sussex,” the former actress and royal has chosen to embrace her identity alongside her husband, Prince Harry, and their two children, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie.
Meghan Markle made the revelation about her name change on her newly launched Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, a wellness and lifestyle program that’s been generating significant buzz. In one episode, Meghan humorously corrected actress and writer Mindy Kaling when she referred to her as “Markle.” With a smile, Meghan said, “It’s hilarious that you keep saying Markle. It’s Sussex now, you know.” She went on to share, “I share my name with my children now. It simply means so much to say, ‘This is our family name.’ I didn’t realize how meaningful it would be to me. Now, it represents our small family.”
The news quickly ignited discussions about royal customs, identity, and the evolving dynamics between Harry, Meghan, and the British monarchy, sparking a wave of conversation on social media and within royal circles. Since British royals traditionally don’t use surnames in the same way as the general public—often being addressed by their titles and first names—the decision to adopt “Sussex” as a last name may seem unconventional to some. However, it’s worth noting that members of the royal family have historically used their father’s title or the name of their dukedom as a surname when needed.
Throughout their school years and military service, Prince William and Prince Harry, for instance, used the surname “Wales” to honor their father, King Charles III (then Prince Charles of Wales). Similarly, Prince George, the eldest son of Prince William, was known as “George Cambridge” at school, reflecting his father’s title as Duke of Cambridge at the time. Meghan’s choice to adopt “Sussex” as her last name follows a similar tradition, but with a more deliberate and visible twist. This move not only reflects her connection to her family but also emphasizes the couple’s growing independence, especially as they continue to carve out their new lives in the US post-royalty.
Since stepping down as senior working royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have made a concerted effort to carve out their own path, distancing themselves from the royal family. They have ventured into independent business pursuits, securing lucrative deals with streaming giants like Netflix and Spotify, and launched their own foundation, Archewell. By officially adopting “Sussex” as her last name, Meghan may be further solidifying the family’s brand identity. This move is a natural progression in the couple’s ongoing branding strategy, as they have consistently identified themselves as “Harry & Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex” in official statements and projects.
Victoria Arbiter, a royal analyst, emphasized that Meghan’s decision to adopt “Sussex” as her last name represents more than just a change in title—it’s a clear statement that she sees the name as a fundamental part of her identity. This move also seems to reinforce the family’s sense of unity, particularly as they prioritize their children’s privacy and future. Meghan’s name change has sparked a variety of reactions. Supporters have praised her for taking a personal step that aligns with her values and for embracing a familial identity that brings her closer to Harry and their children. On the other hand, critics suggest that the move might be part of an ongoing rebranding effort—one that seeks to maintain ties to the royal heritage the couple has worked to distance themselves from. Some royal traditionalists have found it contradictory for Meghan to use “Sussex” as a last name, given that she is no longer a senior member of the royal family.
Hashtags like #MeghanSussex and #NewRoyalName quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking intense debate. On Twitter and Instagram, users shared a wide range of opinions. One Twitter user enthusiastically wrote, “Love that Meghan is making her own choices! It’s her name and who she is.” However, others took a more critical stance, with one person tweeting, “Why continue using Sussex if they don’t want to be royals? They seem to want the benefits without the responsibilities.” Despite the differing opinions, Meghan’s decision to change her name symbolizes a personal transformation, one that reflects her desire to carve out an independent identity, separate from the royal family. Although not legally required—since royals traditionally don’t use official last names—this move highlights Meghan and Harry’s ongoing effort to shape their own future and define their place outside the royal system.
Since Prince Harry has long been casually known as “Harry Sussex,” Meghan’s decision to officially adopt the surname reflects a stronger commitment to unity within their immediate family. Whether this change will be legally recognized or limited to public settings is still uncertain. Much like other royal children who have used their parents’ titles as surnames, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet may eventually adopt “Sussex” as their surname in official records and at school. Meghan Markle’s choice to embrace the Sussex name goes beyond a simple label—it is a powerful statement about identity, family cohesion, and their evolving relationship with both the public and the monarchy. This move marks another step in the couple’s journey to define themselves independently, as they continue to navigate life outside the royal family. No matter the public response, Meghan and Harry remain steadfast in their desire to carve out a legacy that is distinct from royal expectations, yet still connected to their heritage. For now, Meghan Sussex confidently embraces her new identity, but only time will tell how this decision fits into the broader narrative of their royal story.
