The Duchess, who stepped back from senior royal duties alongside Prince Harry in 2020, has been vocal about her identity as part of the Sussex brand. Her latest venture, the lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, showcases her passion for cooking, hosting, and entrepreneurship. By emphasizing "Sussex" in the show, Meghan appears to reaffirm her connection to the title granted by Queen Elizabeth II on her wedding day in 2018. However, her continued use of the title for commercial projects has raised eyebrows among royal watchers.
Meghan’s comment to Kaling wasn’t just a casual quip—it’s seen by some as a deliberate move to highlight her royal status. The Duchess has also incorporated her title into her growing business empire, including her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and a new fashion website. Interestingly, the website’s URL uses the initials "ms" (for Meghan Sussex) rather than "mm" (Meghan Markle), further cementing her public identity as the Duchess of Sussex.
Despite stepping away from royal life, Meghan and Harry have retained their Duke and Duchess titles, a decision that continues to spark debate. Critics argue that using these titles for commercial ventures blurs the line between personal branding and royal protocol, which traditionally restricts working royals from endorsements. Yet, Meghan’s supporters see her actions as a natural evolution, embracing her identity while building a career independent of the monarchy.
King Charles, now 76, has not publicly addressed Meghan’s recent comments or her use of the Sussex title. Palace insiders suggest the monarch is focused on other priorities, including his upcoming historic trip to Italy with Queen Camilla. The royal couple’s visit, set for April 7–10, includes meetings with Italian leaders and a potential audience with Pope Francis. With such significant engagements on the horizon, Meghan’s Netflix series appears to be a low priority for Buckingham Palace.
This isn’t the first time Charles has stayed quiet on matters involving the Sussexes. Since their departure from royal duties, the King has largely avoided commenting on their projects, from Harry’s memoir Spare to their earlier Netflix docuseries. Some royal experts believe this reflects a desire to avoid fueling further controversy, especially given the public’s divided opinions on the couple.
Meghan’s emphasis on her title comes at a time when royal protocol is under scrutiny. A recent example from the Swedish royal family has drawn comparisons. Princess Madeleine of Sweden, who launched a private skincare business, chose not to use her royal title, opting instead for her personal name, Madeleine Bernadotte, to separate her commercial work from her royal status. This decision, made in consultation with the Swedish Royal Court, has been cited as a potential model for royals navigating business ventures.
While no official action has been taken against Meghan, some speculate that King Charles could consider addressing the use of titles if it becomes a recurring issue. However, stripping titles is a complex process requiring parliamentary approval, and sources close to the Palace indicate it’s not currently on the King’s agenda. For now, Meghan’s projects continue to thrive, with her Netflix series gaining attention and her fashion website reportedly crashing third-party retailers due to high demand.
As Meghan builds her brand, her connection to the royal family remains a double-edged sword. Her title gives her ventures a unique edge, but it also invites scrutiny from those who feel she’s capitalizing on her royal status. Meanwhile, King Charles seems content to let the matter rest, focusing instead on his duties as monarch.
The Duchess’s upcoming podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, set to launch on April 8, may further test the boundaries of her royal identity. For now, Meghan is forging ahead, blending her past as a royal with her future as a global entrepreneur. Whether this will prompt a response from the Palace remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the world is watching.
