When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry went public with their relationship, the world was fascinated. Their story had all the elements of a modern-day fairytale: an American actress meeting a British prince through a blind date, instant chemistry, and a whirlwind romance that led to marriage. But as time passed, their love story became more complex. After stepping away from royal duties and moving to the U.S., every move they made attracted scrutiny—including Meghan’s recent name change.
The couple first shared their engagement story in a 2017 interview, where they recalled their low-key beginnings. Meghan joked she only agreed to the blind date if Harry was kind. Their first meeting led to another date the next day. Harry hadn’t known much about Meghan or her work on “Suits,” but he was instantly drawn to her. The proposal came one cozy evening at their home over a simple dinner, with Harry dropping to one knee before Meghan could even finish saying yes.
Their royal wedding in 2018 drew massive global attention and broke some traditional rules, yet it was still widely celebrated. In early 2020, the couple stunned the public again by announcing their decision to step down as senior royals. They moved to California with their two children and began building a new life, away from royal protocol. Meghan launched a podcast, Harry released a memoir, and together they began initiatives through their Archewell Foundation.
While no longer representing the monarchy officially, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain highly visible figures, continuing to work on media, philanthropy, and personal projects. In February 2024, they launched a sleek new website—Sussex.com—which sparked debate due to how they presented themselves. The homepage displayed their coat of arms and introduced them as “Prince Harry & Meghan the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.” One unexpected change, however, caught the public’s attention: Meghan had quietly dropped her last name, “Markle.”
The decision to drop her surname might seem unusual to some, but it actually follows royal custom. Royals often go by their first names alone. Meghan’s updated styling aligns with that tradition, just as Prince Harry signs only his first name. Though the website avoids the term “royal,” due to an earlier agreement with the monarchy, Buckingham Palace continues to list the couple by their royal titles. So while critics question their choices, it’s clear Meghan’s new identity isn’t just a branding move—it’s a subtle nod to tradition with a modern twist.
