The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, recently made headlines when she referred to herself as “Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex” on her new Spotify podcast, “Archetypes.” This statement sparked a debate among royal watchers and fans, as traditionally, members of the British royal family do not use their last names. Instead, they are known by their titles and the names of the royal house to which they belong.
In the episode, Meghan discussed the importance of names and how they shape our identities. She mentioned that Sussex was her last name, which led to speculation about whether this departure from royal protocol was intentional or simply a slip of the tongue. While some critics viewed this as a deliberate attempt to distance herself from the royal family, others saw it as a harmless and personal choice.
It is essential to understand the historical context behind royal last names to appreciate the significance of Meghan’s statement. Traditionally, members of the British royal family do not use last names in the same way that commoners do. Instead, they are identified by their titles, such as “The Duke of Cambridge” or “The Princess Royal.” However, when a last name is required, they may use the name of the royal house to which they belong. For example, Prince William and Prince Harry used the last name “Wales” when they were in the military, as their father, Prince Charles, is the Prince of Wales.
In Meghan’s case, she and Prince Harry were given the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex upon their marriage in 2018. Therefore, technically speaking, “Sussex” could be considered their last name in certain contexts. However, it is important to note that this is not a formal last name in the traditional sense but rather a territorial designation that reflects their royal titles.
While Meghan’s statement may have raised eyebrows among royal traditionalists, it is not unprecedented for members of the royal family to use last names when necessary. For example, when Prince Harry and Meghan’s son, Archie, was born, his birth certificate listed his full name as “Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.” This surname combines elements of both the Queen’s and Prince Philip’s family names to create a new last name for their descendants.
In recent years, there has been a shift towards modernizing and adapting royal traditions to better reflect the changing times. Meghan and Harry’s decision to step back from their roles as senior royals and pursue independent ventures has challenged the status quo and sparked conversations about the future of the monarchy.
Ultimately, Meghan’s use of “Sussex” as her last name may be seen as a personal choice that reflects her unique position as a member of the royal family who is also carving out her own identity and voice. While some may view this as a break from tradition, others may see it as a natural evolution of the monarchy in the 21st century.
As the royal family continues to navigate the complexities of modern life and public scrutiny, it is likely that we will see more instances of members making personal choices that challenge traditional norms. Whether Meghan’s use of “Sussex” as her last name becomes a lasting trend remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an interesting twist to the ongoing saga of the British royal family.
In conclusion, Meghan Markle’s reference to Sussex as her last name may have caused a stir, but it is not a definitive break from royal tradition. The use of last names by members of the royal family is complex and context-dependent, and Meghan’s statement should be viewed in light of her unique circumstances and evolving role within the monarchy. As the royal family continues to adapt to the demands of the modern world, we can expect to see more instances of tradition blending with innovation in the years to come.