The real names of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed – Why Duchess prefers Sussex
When Mindy Kaling visited the set to prepare star-shaped sandwiches and a rainbow fruit platter, she didn’t expect a conversation about Meghan Markle's surname. During their exchange, the Duchess casually informed Kaling, “You know I’m Sussex now," with a forced smile.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Meghan explained to Kaling, “You have kids, and you go, ‘No, I share my name with my children.’ I didn’t know how meaningful it would be, but it just means so much to say, ‘This is our family name, our little family name.’”
Later in the week, the actress Drew Barrymore followed suit on her show, referring to Meghan as “Meghan Sussex,” further fueling the debate about her surname.
Harry and Meghan were granted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles upon their 2018 marriage. However, their official visit to the region lasted just six hours in 2018, leaving many to question their connection to Sussex. Critics argue that Meghan’s surname should be Mountbatten-Windsor, given its royal lineage.
In this article, we delve into the couple’s real names (hint: not Harry or Meghan!) and explore what royal protocol says about Meghan's use of the 'Sussex' surname.
Meghan’s Real Name: Rachel Markle
Meghan Markle, born Rachel Meghan Markle on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, has publicly used her middle name, Meghan, rather than her first name. This is believed to be a personal preference she adopted during her acting career, particularly when she starred on Suits from 2011 to 2018.
Prince Harry: A Royal Without a Last Name
Born Prince Henry Charles Albert David on September 15, 1984, Harry traditionally didn’t use a last name on his birth certificate, in line with royal customs. Known as “Harry Wales” throughout his life, particularly at Eton and in the army, Harry’s last name was tied to his father’s title, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.
The Royal Family's Surname Protocol
While the Royal Family’s official surname is Mountbatten-Windsor (a hyphenated name reflecting both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s lineages), many royals use their titles as shorthand surnames. For instance, Prince William is known as “William Wales” and his children as “George Wales,” “Charlotte Wales,” and “Louis Wales.”
The Sussex Controversy
Despite this tradition, Meghan’s decision to use 'Sussex' as a surname has drawn significant criticism from royal fans and commentators. Many assert that her true surname should be Mountbatten-Windsor, with some arguing that “Sussex” is merely a courtesy title derived from her marriage to Harry.
Interestingly, when Harry and Meghan’s first son, Archie, was born in 2019, both their names were recorded as "Henry" and "Rachel" on his birth certificate, and his surname was Mountbatten-Windsor.
The Tradition of Royal Titles as Surnames
Wendy Bosberry-Scott, editor of Debrett’s Peerage and Baronetage, explains that it is common for members of the Royal Family and peers to adopt their titles as surnames. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Harry and Meghan have chosen to use "Sussex" as their family name, as it is consistent with royal tradition.
In her own words, Meghan emphasized the personal significance of this decision, explaining that the shared name was meaningful for her family, including her children, Archie and Lilibet.
Legal vs. Social Name
Despite the family’s decision to use ‘Sussex’ socially, legal documents such as Archie and Lilibet’s birth certificates continue to use Mountbatten-Windsor, following long-standing royal traditions.
What Does the Future Hold?
While Meghan’s insistence on using ‘Sussex’ as her surname continues to stir debate, royal watchers remain divided on whether this choice is entirely in line with royal protocols. Whether it’s a clever branding strategy or a deeply personal decision, one thing is clear: the name “Meghan Sussex” is a symbol of her new identity post-royalty.
