Please note that we are republishing this story which first gained attention in March 2025.
Meghan Markle is embarking on a new chapter in her public life — and she’s adopting a new family name as well.
The Duchess of Sussex has announced that she will no longer be using “Markle” as her surname, opting instead to be known simply as “Sussex,” in solidarity with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet. She explains that this decision is profoundly personal and stems from her role as a mother, rather than from any royal traditions.
This revelation came to light during an episode of With Love, Meghan, her forthcoming Netflix series, when actress and comedian Mindy Kaling casually called her “Meghan Markle.” Meghan promptly, yet kindly, corrected her — a moment that has ignited considerable discussion online.
With a gentle laugh, Meghan highlighted the slip, mentioning that she now identifies as Sussex, and remarked that sharing the same last name as her children has taken on a much deeper significance than she had ever expected. What she once considered a minor detail, she noted, has evolved into something much more profound.
For Meghan, this name change symbolizes unity. “This is our family name,” she stated, underlining the value of having a common identity with her children. As a mother, she expressed that this connection feels particularly important — a realization she didn’t fully grasp until she became a parent herself.
In a different conversation with People magazine, Meghan reiterated this feeling, pointing out that motherhood has transformed her perspective on even the tiniest symbols of family. The name “Sussex,” she shared, embodies the connection she has with Harry, Archie, and Lilibet — their “little family,” as she affectionately referred to it.
While it is still uncertain if the public will fully embrace “Meghan Sussex,” this choice highlights yet another move away from her past — particularly her complicated relationship with her father, Thomas Markle. The duchess has been publicly distanced from him for years, and her decision to abandon her maiden name may further solidify that separation.
Since their wedding in 2018, Meghan and Prince Harry have taken an unconventional path, stepping back from royal responsibilities and ultimately making their home in Montecito, California. The couple has concentrated on creating a more peaceful life focused on raising their children, away from the relentless scrutiny of the British royal spotlight.
The titles of their children have changed over time. Archie and Lilibet were initially referred to as Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. Following King Charles III’s rise to the throne, they were given the titles of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex — transforming “Sussex” from a mere symbolic choice into an official family designation.
This name change comes at a time when Meghan is getting ready to reintroduce herself to the public with her new show, With Love, Meghan, which is scheduled to debut this week on Netflix after delays caused by severe wildfires in Southern California. The series, which focuses on lifestyle, includes celebrity guests, wellness and home advice, as well as personal insights, providing viewers with a carefully curated look into Meghan’s life within the Sussex household.
For Meghan, transitioning from “Markle” to “Sussex” is not about reinventing herself — it’s about finding a sense of belonging. As she works on establishing her identity after royalty in America, one thing stands out: family is at the heart of the narrative she wishes to share.
