Meghan Markle lets Duchess title slip in favour of a higher rank
Meghan Markle, upon marrying Prince Harry in 2018, acquired several titles and styles. While she is most commonly referred to as the Duchess of Sussex, there are lesser-known subsidiary titles she holds through her marriage. Legally, Meghan is known as “Princess Henry” (using Harry’s real name), but this title is not commonly used because her Duchess of Sussex title takes precedence.
Despite stepping back from the royal family in 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry still retain their royal titles. The couple now resides in Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
In a previous interview, Meghan seemed to embrace a more royal status when she referred to herself as “a real-life princess”. This title, however, is not one that Meghan has officially been given, unlike her sister-in-law, Princess Kate, who has been referred to as a Princess since King Charles ascended the throne in 2023.
During a 2022 interview with The Cut, the Duchess expressed the importance of being thoughtful about her role, especially when interacting with young girls who view her as a real-life princess. She encouraged them to recognize their own power to create lives greater than any fairy tale, emphasizing that happiness and love are within their reach.
Specifically, Meghan said: “It’s important to be thoughtful about it because – even with the Oprah interview, I was conscious of the fact that there are little girls that I meet and they’re just like, ‘Oh my God, it’s a real-life princess.’”
She added: “I just look at all of them and think, ‘You have the power within you to create a life greater than any fairy tale you’ve ever read’. I don’t mean that in terms of ‘You could marry a prince one day.’ I mean you can find love. You can find happiness. You can be up against what could feel like the greatest obstacle and then you can find happiness again.”
Traditionally, marrying into the royal family would designate the wife of a Prince as a “Princess consort”. However, some have taken on Duchess titles, as seen with Kate becoming the Duchess of Cambridge when she married Prince William in 2011.
Despite her royal status, Meghan has focused on building the Sussex brand. Recently, she debuted her new business, American Riviera Orchard, on Instagram. The brand is expected to tie in with a new cooking show on Netflix, featuring lifestyle products such as marmalades, jams, and home decor items. While the Sussexes’ Netflix deal is due to end in 2025, contracts for renewal have not yet been confirmed.
In summary, Meghan Markle holds multiple titles, including “Princess Henry,” but her Duchess of Sussex title remains the most recognized. Her journey beyond the fairy tale includes empowering others to find love, happiness, and overcome obstacles, just as she has done herself. And as she continues to build her brand, the world watches with interest, much like the little girls who see her as a real-life princess.
