Introducing Meghan Sussex: A Name That Holds a Special Place in Her Heart

In the second episode of her new Netflix lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, Meghan Markle—now known as Meghan Sussex—opens up about a topic that’s close to her heart: her name. The Duchess of Sussex took a moment during her conversation with guest star Mindy Kaling to address something that might seem small to some but holds great significance for her. As Kaling repeatedly referred to her as “Meghan Markle,” Meghan gently corrected her, saying, “It’s so funny too, that you keep saying ‘Meghan Markle.’ You know I’m Sussex now.” This exchange wasn’t just about a name; it was about identity, family, and the journey that has shaped who she is today.

The Name Change: A Royal Tradition with a Modern Twist

The shift from “Markle” to “Sussex” isn’t just a personal preference; it’s rooted in tradition. When Meghan married Prince Harry in 2018, the late Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon them the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This meant that Meghan became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex, and Harry became His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex. While the couple stepped back from their roles as senior members of the royal family in 2020, they retained their titles, though they no longer use the prefixes “His” and “Her Royal Highness.”

The use of “Sussex” as a last name is a nod to this title, and it’s a practice that’s deeply ingrained in royal tradition. For instance, when Harry served in the military, he was known as “Harry Wales” because his father, now King Charles, was then the Prince of Wales. Following a similar logic, Meghan and Harry’s children—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—now officially use the last name “Sussex.” This decision was made public in early 2023, marking another chapter in the family’s journey.

Meghan recently shared with People that she finds immense joy in sharing the name “Sussex” with her family. “I love that that is something that Archie, Lili, H, and I all have together,” she said. “It means a lot to me.” For Meghan, this name is more than just a label; it’s a symbol of unity, identity, and their shared story.

Meghan Sussex: A Name That’s More Than Just A Label

The choice to go by “Sussex” isn’t just about formal titles or royal traditions—it’s deeply personal for Meghan. She explained that becoming a mother has made her more aware of the significance of names. “You have kids, and you go, ‘No, I share my name with my children.’ And that feels so—I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me,” she said in her Netflix series. “But it just means so much to go, ‘This is our family name, our little family name.’”

Meghan’s words highlight the emotional weight of this decision. For her, the name “Sussex” represents a sense of belonging and continuity across generations. It’s a way to tie her children to their heritage while also creating a new kind of normalcy for her family outside of the royal spotlight. “It’s part of our love story,” she added, emphasizing how the name reflects the journey she and Harry have been on together. As their children grow older, Meghan imagines they’ll ask more about how their parents met, and the name “Sussex” will be a tangible connection to that story.

Why the Name Sussex Matters to Meghan

For many, especially in America, the idea of changing one’s last name after marriage is a familiar tradition. But for Meghan, the shift to “Sussex” is more complex. It’s not just about taking her husband’s last name; it’s about embracing a new identity that comes with both privilege and scrutiny. When Meghan married into the royal family, she became part of a centuries-old institution, and her name change was a formal recognition of that.

However, when the couple stepped back from their royal roles, they carved out a new path for themselves—one that allowed them to retain their titles but forge their own way in the world. The name “Sussex” serves as a bridge between their past and present. It’s a reminder of where they’ve been while also representing the life they’re building together as a family. For Meghan, it’s a way to honor her roots while creating a new legacy.

The Royal Roots of the Name Sussex

The name “Sussex” has a rich history within the British monarchy. The title of Duke of Sussex was first granted in 1801 to Prince Augustus Frederick, the sixth son of King George III. Since then, it has been passed down through generations, with Prince Harry becoming the latest holder of the title in 2018. When Meghan married Harry, she officially became the Duchess of Sussex, making her the first woman of American descent to hold the title in over 80 years.

The decision to use “Sussex” as a last name for their children is a modern twist on this tradition. While Archie and Lilibet are formally known as Princess and Prince, respectively, their everyday last name is “Sussex.” This choice reflects the blend of tradition and modernity that Meghan and Harry have embraced as they navigate their roles outside of the royal family.

Embracing the Future with the Sussex Name

As Meghan and Harry continue to build their lives in California, the name “Sussex” serves as a reminder of their shared journey. For Meghan, it’s a name that carries both history and hope. “I think as the kids get older, they’re so excited about, ‘Oh my gosh, Mama and Papa, how did you meet?’” she said. “I think that will come with time as they get older, but for right now, a huge part of our love story is that we share the name Sussex.”

In many ways, the name “Sussex” is more than just a label—it’s a testament to the love, resilience, and unity of the Sussex family. As Meghan and Harry look to the future, they’re creating a legacy that their children will carry with pride. And for Meghan, the name “Sussex” will always be a reminder of the journey that brought her to where she is today.