'I'm Sussex now': Meghan reacts to Mindy calling her Markle
What's the story
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, recently clarified that she prefers "Sussex" as her last name over her maiden surname "Markle." The 43-year-old shared this insight during a conversation with actor Mindy Kaling during the second episode of her new Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan. The change aligns with the names of her children—Prince Archie (5) and Princess Lilibet (3)—who also carry the title "of Sussex."
Name correction
Markle corrected Kaling's reference to her old surname
While discussing children's parties and their childhoods, Kaling mentioned Markle by her maiden name during the show. "People wouldn't believe that Meghan Markle ate at Jack in the Box," Kaling said, to which Markle responded, "It's so funny, too, that you keep saying 'Meghan Markle.' You know I'm Sussex now." The Duchess of Sussex and her husband, Prince Harry, became "the Duke and Duchess of Sussex" after their May 2018 marriage.
Family bond
Markle expressed the significance of sharing a family name
Markle further explained her decision to adopt the Sussex surname, saying it was about sharing a name with her kids. "You have kids and you go, 'No, I share my name with my children.' I didn't know how meaningful that would be to me, but it just means so much to go, this is our family name, our little family name." Kaling acknowledged this clarification by responding, "Now I know, and I love it."
Royal titles
Markle's children became Prince and Princess of Sussex
Markle's kids, born Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, became Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. This happened after Queen Elizabeth II's death when her son and Harry's father, King Charles III, ascended the throne. Under royal protocol, the grandchildren of a sovereign are entitled to become prince or princesses of the realm.
Love story
'Sussex is part of our love story,' said Markle
In a recent interview with People, Markle reiterated the importance of her title and new last name. "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." Markle shared that the Sussex name "is part of our love story," adding that as their kids grow, they'll appreciate it more, but for now, it remains a significant part of their bond.