Meghan Markle’s New Identity: Embracing “Sussex” as Her Last Name

Meghan Markle has recently made a bold move in her public persona, leaving her maiden name behind and adopting “Sussex” as her new last name. This decision has sparked conversations about her identity and her evolving relationship with the royal family. The change comes after years of scrutiny and public attention, and it’s made waves, particularly with her new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, which is stirring both admiration and criticism.

A New Name for a New Chapter

Meghan’s adoption of “Sussex” as her surname reflects her deep connection to her family and her sense of belonging. The Duchess of Sussex revealed the change in an interview with Mindy Kaling on the Netflix series With Love, Meghan, where Kaling repeatedly called her by her maiden name, “Markle.” Meghan swiftly corrected her, stating, “You know it’s Sussex now.” She explained that after having children, it became more meaningful for her to use the family name she shares with her husband, Prince Harry, and their children, Archie and Lilibet.

“It’s our shared name as a family,” Meghan shared, describing it as an essential part of their identity. The name, she continued, symbolizes their love story and the bond they share as a family unit. As a mother, Meghan emphasized that using “Sussex” makes her feel closer to her children, and it carries more significance now than it ever did before. In a recent interview with People, she reiterated this sentiment, calling the name a symbol of unity and strength.

Meghan’s statement about the name “Sussex” is a clear reflection of her pride in her family’s identity. She stated, “It means a lot to me that it’s something Archie, Lili, H, and I all have together.”

Breaking from Tradition

Meghan’s decision to publicly adopt “Sussex” as her last name, though, hasn’t come without its share of controversy. While she is still formally known as the Duchess of Sussex, this marks the first time Meghan was introduced on television as “Meghan Sussex,” when Drew Barrymore introduced her on The Drew Barrymore Show in March 2023. It was a departure from the name “Markle,” which had been tied to her before her marriage to Harry, and it caught the attention of many viewers.

This move has raised eyebrows, especially among royal observers. Critics have questioned Meghan’s choice, noting that Sussex is not traditionally used as a surname but as a courtesy title linked to her husband’s royal title. Some believe that Meghan’s formal surname should still be “Mountbatten-Windsor,” as per the royal family’s surname conventions. One royal watcher remarked, “Her last name is not Sussex. It should be Mountbatten-Windsor, as it’s her official family name.”

Additionally, Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, expressed disappointment over her decision to drop the “Markle” name, stating that his late mother would have been upset by the change. He also voiced concerns about Meghan’s public persona, claiming it came across as inauthentic, especially in the show, where he felt she appeared too focused on perfection.

A New Identity and Family Connection

Despite the criticism, Meghan’s decision to use “Sussex” appears to be more than just a name change—it’s a symbolic gesture that represents her evolving identity, particularly as a mother. It reflects her desire to distance herself from the past while embracing her role as part of her own family’s legacy.

The royal family has long followed the practice of using titles as surnames. Prince Harry himself used “Wales” as his surname during his military service, which reflected his title as the son of the Prince of Wales. Similarly, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children, are entitled to use “Sussex” as their surname as well. This practice follows the family tradition, allowing them to be known by their titles in both formal and informal settings.

For Meghan, embracing “Sussex” signals her embrace of a new chapter in her life, one where she is not just the Duchess of Sussex, but also a wife, mother, and businesswoman forging her own path.

A Family Name That Speaks to Heritage

Ultimately, Meghan’s use of “Sussex” as her surname is a personal choice that reflects the deep bond she shares with her family. It is a name that ties her to her husband and children, and it carries significant meaning for her. Whether or not the public will fully embrace this new identity remains to be seen, but for Meghan, this name is a powerful symbol of her love and family ties.

As the public continues to follow Meghan’s every move, her adoption of “Sussex” as her last name might spark further debates about tradition and personal identity. However, it’s clear that for Meghan, it represents far more than just a surname—it’s a mark of the family she has built and the love that binds them together.