Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has recently undergone a change in her perspective regarding the titles of her children, following a discussion with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Initially, Megan downplayed the significance of royal titles, but she has now experienced a significant shift in her viewpoint. This transformation came about after she observed the practical benefits that such titles offer to princesses like Beatrice and Eugenie.
The global media was abuzz when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to alter how their children were formally addressed. They made the switch from using the names Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor to referring to them as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This change aligns with the regulations outlined in the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V, which grants grandchildren of the monarch the right to use princely titles.
In their statement, Prince Harry and Megan mentioned that they did not want to deny their children their rightful titles. However, despite Megan bringing up her children in the United States and expressing her lack of connection to the grandeur of the royal lifestyle during her interview with Oprah Winfrey, her perspective eventually shifted.
According to a royal expert, this change in perspective may have occurred after a discussion with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie in 2020. Although Prince Harry and Megan were stripped of their HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) status when they stepped back from their official duties, they retained the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which were bestowed upon them by the late Queen prior to their wedding.
During the widely-discussed interview with Oprah Winfrey, Megan revealed that she did not feel personally connected to the prestige associated with her royal title. She expressed that despite being an actress, princess, and duchess, her identity as Megan remained separate from these titles, and being a mother was the most significant role for her.
However, Neil Shah, an expert on royalty, raised doubts about whether Megan's opinion on titles truly changed as a result of her conversation with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Shah suggested that Prince Harry and Megan are determined to retain their royal titles and that Megan carefully considered how these titles would benefit not only herself but also her children.
Megan developed close relationships with notable members of the royal family, particularly Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. As a result, she came to understand the value of having a title, especially when it comes to socializing in certain circles. This is why she and Prince Harry are eager to maintain their titles.
Shah further explained that Megan likely recognized the importance of titles after witnessing Prince Andrew's efforts to secure them for his daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie. This realization may have prompted Megan to appreciate the significance of titles and their potential advantages.
