Meghan Markle Reveals She is Now 'Meghan Sussex': Understanding Royal Surnames

Meghan Markle is no longer identified by the name the public once knew.

During the second episode of her Netflix series "With Love, Meghan," the 43-year-old openly shared with Mindy Kaling that her surname is now Sussex. This new name ties back to her official status as the Duchess of Sussex, a title she received after marrying Prince Harry, who is 40.

Meghan confided in Kaling about the significance of sharing the Sussex surname with her kids, Prince Archie, aged 5, and Princess Lilibet, aged 3, describing Sussex as their 'family name.' On a recent Wednesday episode of "The Drew Barrymore Show," the actress Drew Barrymore introduced Meghan by her new name, Meghan Sussex.

However, the change might be puzzling to those not keeping tabs on the royal family, considering Archie and Lilibet were originally given different surnames.

Let's delve into how royal last names function and the potential reasons behind Harry and Meghan's shift to the Sussex name.

How Royal Family Names Operate

Prince Harry was officially born as Henry Charles Albert David without a last name documented on his birth certificate. He held the title of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales by virtue of his father's title as the Prince of Wales.

Royals traditionally omit surnames, but some in the British royal family opt to use Mountbatten-Windsor when necessary.

The surname Windsor has been a hallmark of the royal family since 1917. Fast forward to 1960, Queen Elizabeth II alongside Prince Philip established Mountbatten-Windsor for their descendants lacking HRH or prince/princess titles, incorporating Philip’s surname.

Having always held an HRH title, Harry never adopted Mountbatten-Windsor. Instead, he used the name Harry Wales in contexts like schooling or military service, as did his brother Prince William.

Ahead of their May 2018 nuptials, Buckingham Palace titled Harry and Meghan as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, elevating Meghan to an HRH title.

Conversely, their children’s birth records listed them under Mountbatten-Windsor, as Prince and Princess titles were absent at their birth, recording them instead as "Master Archie" and "Miss Lilibet."

Transitioning to Sussex

Despite agreeing to refrain from official HRH use in 2020, Harry maintained his HRH status, forgoing Mountbatten-Windsor.

Upon Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and King Charles III’s ascent in September 2022, Harry’s children acquired new titles.

Archie and Lili have since been recognized as Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, a change documented by Buckingham Palace online in March 2023.

Aligning with royal conventions, it is inappropriate for Archie and Lili to sustain their original surname of Mountbatten-Windsor post their elevation to prince and princess.

In March 2024, reports noted Harry and Meghan’s application of Sussex as their children’s surname in school settings, further cementing Sussex as the family’s chosen surname.

Though the legal status of Harry and Meghan's surname change remains uncertain, they, akin to Prince William and Kate Middleton, leverage regional titles for school use.

Post-2022, William and Kate's children have embraced the surname Wales in educational contexts, mirroring their father and uncle's practice.