Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s continued use of their Sussex titles has once again become a focal point of public debate, especially following the release of Meghan’s new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan.

Despite stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the couple still retains their titles, igniting discussions over their significance and the impact on their relationship with the British royal family.

Meghan’s focus on the ‘Sussex’ name

In With Love, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex highlights the importance of the ‘Sussex’ name to her family’s identity. During a conversation with actress Mindy Kaling, when referred to as “Meghan Markle,” she promptly corrected her, saying: “You know I’m ‘Sussex’ now.”

She elaborated further, explaining that the Sussex name represents their family’s unity and love story, describing it as “our little family name.”

This clear emphasis has led many royal commentators to speculate that Meghan and Harry are deliberately reinforcing their ties to the royal family, despite stepping away from official duties. Some believe this is a strategic move to maintain their influence and relevance, particularly as they build their careers in the United States.

Will King Charles act on their use of royal titles?

Speculation continues over whether King Charles III will intervene regarding Prince Harry and Meghan’s use of their Sussex titles. Royal author Phil Dampier suggests that while Meghan’s focus on the Sussex name might frustrate the King, he may hesitate to revoke their titles due to the potential negative impact on efforts to repair family relationships. Dampier notes that such a move could further strain the already fragile ties between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.