Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has once again found herself at the center of royal drama with her new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. In a moment that’s raised eyebrows, Meghan playfully emphasized her royal title during a chat with comedian Mindy Kaling, correcting her for using "Meghan Markle" by saying, "It’s Sussex now!" While the exchange was lighthearted, sources claim it’s left a senior royal figure feeling unsettled, stirring fresh tensions within the monarchy.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 alongside Prince Harry, Meghan has leaned into her identity as the Duchess of Sussex. Her latest project, a lifestyle series showcasing her flair for cooking and hosting, doubles down on that branding. By highlighting her title in the show, she’s reaffirmed the status granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018. But for some in royal circles, her move feels like a bold step that challenges the unspoken rules of royal protocol.
Meghan’s comment to Kaling wasn’t just a passing quip—it’s being seen as a deliberate nod to her royal roots. She’s woven the Sussex title into her growing ventures, from her lifestyle brand, As Ever, to a sleek new fashion website. The website’s URL, using "ms" for Meghan Sussex rather than "mm" for Meghan Markle, underscores her focus on her ducal identity. For fans, it’s a savvy embrace of her journey; for critics, it’s a provocative move that risks ruffling feathers.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have retained their titles despite leaving royal life, a decision that’s long sparked debate. Some argue that using these titles for commercial projects—like a Netflix series or fashion brand—crosses a line, given traditions that discourage working royals from endorsements. Supporters, however, see Meghan’s actions as a natural blend of her past and present, building a career while staying true to herself.
While Buckingham Palace has stayed silent, whispers suggest Meghan’s emphasis on her title has upset a key royal figure. Though no names have been confirmed, sources hint at unease among senior royals, with some feeling the move undermines the monarchy’s careful balance of tradition and neutrality. The timing doesn’t help—King Charles is preparing for a historic trip to Italy with Queen Camilla from April 7–10, including high-profile engagements and a possible meeting with Pope Francis. Meghan’s series, by contrast, seems a distant concern for the Palace.
This isn’t the first time Meghan’s projects have stirred royal ripples. From her and Harry’s Netflix docuseries to his memoir Spare, the couple’s ventures have often drawn scrutiny. Yet, the Palace has largely avoided public comment, a tactic some experts say reflects a desire to keep the peace amid ongoing public fascination with the Sussexes.
Meghan’s title usage comes as royal protocol faces growing attention. A recent case in Sweden offers a comparison: Princess Madeleine launched a skincare brand under her personal name, Madeleine Bernadotte, steering clear of her royal title to maintain distance between her business and royal status. The move, made with the Swedish Royal Court’s blessing, has been floated as a model for royals balancing commerce and tradition. Whether Meghan faces similar pressure remains unclear, but no formal action has been signaled by the Palace.
Could this spark bigger changes? Stripping titles is a rare and complex process, requiring parliamentary approval, and insiders say it’s not on the table for now. Meanwhile, Meghan’s star power keeps rising—her Netflix series is gaining traction, and her fashion website reportedly crashed third-party retailers due to overwhelming demand.
For Meghan, her royal title is both a strength and a lightning rod. It lends her projects a unique edge, but it also invites criticism from those who feel she’s leveraging her status for gain. As she prepares to launch her podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, on April 8, the Duchess shows no signs of slowing down, blending her royal past with her entrepreneurial ambitions.
The monarchy, for its part, seems focused elsewhere, with King Charles prioritizing his duties over addressing the latest Sussex headlines. Whether Meghan’s move prompts a private conversation or fades into the background, one thing is clear: her every step keeps the world talking.
