Meghan Markle’s recent comments about adopting “Sussex” as her family name have sparked discussions among royal experts and historians. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, shared in a recent interview that she considers “Sussex” to be her surname, as it represents her family’s unity. However, some royal experts, including Lord Ivar Mountbatten, have weighed in on the topic, stating that the title “Sussex” is not traditionally a surname.
Meghan Markle’s Statement About Her Last Name
During an episode of her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, Markle made a comment about her last name while speaking with actress and producer Mindy Kaling. When Kaling referred to her as “Meghan Markle,” the Duchess corrected her by saying, “It’s so funny you keep saying Markle. You know it’s Sussex now.” She went on to explain, “You have kids and you go, I share my name with my children. I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me, but it just means so much to go, this is our family name. Our little family now.”
Her statement reflects her personal view that “Sussex” is a unifying family name for herself, Prince Harry, and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This perspective aligns with the idea that their royal titles symbolize their identity as a unit.
Lord Ivar Mountbatten Responds to Meghan’s Claim
Lord Ivar Mountbatten, a second cousin of King Charles III, has a different interpretation of the royal naming conventions. Speaking to Town & Country on March 7, Mountbatten, 61, stated that “Sussex” is not a surname but rather a title granted by Queen Elizabeth II when Harry and Meghan married in 2018.
“It’s interesting because she’s completely incorrect,” Mountbatten said. “Her family name is not Sussex; her family name is Mountbatten-Windsor. Her children are called Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor; they’re not called Archie and Lilibet Sussex because Sussex is a title.”
He further explained, “They are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but actually he’s Harry Mountbatten-Windsor and she would be Meghan Mountbatten-Windsor.”
Mountbatten compared this to his own family name, explaining that his brother holds the title of Marquess of Milford Haven but retains the surname Mountbatten. He suggested that Markle’s claim about her surname was likely a misunderstanding of traditional naming practices within the British royal family.
The Historical Use of Royal Names
Historically, members of the British royal family do not use traditional last names in the same way as common citizens. Instead, they are often known by their first names and titles. The official family name of the British royal family is Mountbatten-Windsor, a combination of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s surnames. This designation is used on official documents when necessary, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and legal documents.
For example, King Charles III was formerly known as Prince Charles of Wales but never used “Wales” as a legal surname. Similarly, Prince William and Prince Harry were referred to as “William Wales” and “Harry Wales” during their military careers due to their father’s title, the Prince of Wales, at the time.
Following their exit from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have distanced themselves from the formalities of royal life, which may explain Meghan’s approach to using “Sussex” as a surname in a more personal and symbolic sense rather than a legal one.
Why Meghan Considers ‘Sussex’ a Family Name
In an interview with People published on March 3, Meghan elaborated on why she values “Sussex” as a shared name for her family.
“It’s our shared name as a family, and I guess I hadn’t recognized how meaningful that would be to me until we had children,” she shared. “I love that that is something that Archie, Lili, H, and I all have together. It means a lot to me.”
While the royal naming conventions suggest that her children officially carry the surname Mountbatten-Windsor, Meghan’s personal attachment to “Sussex” reflects her desire for unity and connection with her husband and children.
Public and Expert Reactions
The debate over royal names is not new, but Meghan’s comments have reignited the discussion among royal watchers.
Some people support her approach, arguing that titles in the modern era should be more flexible and allow members of the royal family to define their identity in ways that feel authentic to them. Others, however, believe that adhering to traditional naming practices is essential for maintaining consistency within the royal institution.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams weighed in on the debate, stating, “The British royal family has long-standing traditions regarding names and titles. While Meghan may feel emotionally connected to ‘Sussex’ as a name, it is historically a title rather than a surname.”
Similarly, social media reactions have been mixed. Some fans of the Sussexes have praised Meghan’s sentiment, calling it a meaningful way to highlight their family bond, while critics argue that official naming conventions should be respected.
A Modern Perspective on Royal Naming Conventions
The way royal names are used has evolved over time, and Meghan and Harry have been at the forefront of redefining traditional roles within the monarchy. Since stepping back from their royal duties, they have sought to carve out a new identity, one that merges their historical titles with their modern lifestyle.
While some may debate whether “Sussex” is a surname in the traditional sense, Meghan’s perspective underscores the broader theme of self-identification and personal meaning. Her statement is less about legal formality and more about how she sees her family as a unified entity.
Conclusion: A Personal Choice with Historical Implications
Meghan Markle’s statement about using “Sussex” as her last name has sparked discussion about royal naming traditions and how they intersect with personal identity. While Lord Ivar Mountbatten and other royal experts emphasize that Sussex is a title rather than a surname, Meghan’s choice to view it as her family name reflects a more personal and symbolic interpretation.
Ultimately, while the Mountbatten-Windsor name remains the official surname for members of the royal family, Meghan’s perspective on “Sussex” as a shared family name highlights the evolving nature of modern royal identity.
As discussions around royal traditions continue to evolve, one thing remains clear: the way in which members of the royal family choose to define themselves will always be a topic of public fascination.
