It seems that Meghan Markle has found yet another way to stir the pot, this time over something as seemingly simple as how she wishes to be addressed. Meghan has her own set of expectations for the commoners of the world, insisting on being called "Ma'am." According to Scott Moore, CEO of the Invictus Games, Meghan’s preferences are quite clear. When he asked how to address her, he received a straightforward three-word response: "Ma'am is fine," for Prince Harry, while the instruction for others was simply "Sir."
While this request might appear reasonable on the surface, royal watchers can’t help but notice how Meghan’s latest demand seems at odds with the rebellious image she and Harry have cultivated. It’s no shock that Meghan desires to be called "Ma'am"; after all, she is the duchess who has prided herself on breaking royal traditions while clinging tightly to the perks that come with royal status. This combination has left many Brits—and numerous royal followers abroad—scratching their heads. Why go through the trouble of stepping back from royal duties only to insist on the courtesies reserved for those who remain within palace walls?
Royal titles and forms of address are not merely for show; they are steeped in tradition. When Harry and Meghan chose a self-exiled life in 2020, they left behind the "Your Royal Highness" treatment, along with other royal privileges and obligations. So, why the insistence on being called "Ma'am"?
Royal protocol dictates that senior royal women are initially addressed as "Your Royal Highness" and subsequently as "Ma'am." As former working royals who have moved beyond their titles, Meghan’s demand for royal deference feels a bit out of place. It stands in stark contrast to Harry's famous insistence at a tourism conference in Edinburgh in 2020, where he told the audience, "Call me Harry," stripping away what he perceived as unnecessary formalities.
Adding more intrigue to this story is the context of Meghan’s request: the Invictus Games. Despite Harry’s prominent role, Prince William generously donated a million pounds to the Invictus Games in 2021—a significant contribution that many say has helped keep the games thriving. If the Invictus Games are now solely Harry’s domain outside the royal fold, why does he still seem to require some royal protocols?
Fans of Princess Catherine, the real HRH of the Wales family, can’t help but draw comparisons. Catherine has managed to win public affection with her down-to-earth demeanor. She doesn’t need to instruct people to call her "Ma'am," and the British public has taken notice. If Meghan desires a more ordinary treatment, perhaps she could take a cue from Catherine, who doesn’t feel the need to dictate how others should address her in order to earn respect.
Unsurprisingly, Meghan’s insistence on being called "Ma'am" has sent royal fans into a tizzy, particularly those who are keenly aware of etiquette. The late Queen Elizabeth, who was meticulous about every detail of royal protocol, would likely have raised an eyebrow at her granddaughter-in-law’s demands. After all, "Your Grace" or "Your Lordship" would have been much more in line with the titles they chose to retain. Yet, "Ma'am" feels just a bit too royal for someone who has left the palace and its pageantry in the rearview mirror.
