Meghan Markle Shocks Fans by Revealing Her Real Name After Facing Backlash Over Sussex Claim
Meghan Markle has sparked fresh controversy after publicly addressing confusion over her surname and revealing what she considers her real name. The Duchess of Sussex made the revelation during a new interview with journalist Emily Chang.
The conversation was triggered after Meghan faced backlash for previously suggesting that her surname was Sussex. The criticism intensified after the first season of her show With Love, Meghan, where she told actress Mindy Kaling that Sussex was her last name.
This statement immediately raised eyebrows, with royal watchers and commentators insisting she had made a serious error. Even members of the extended royal family stepped in to correct her claim, including King Charles’ second cousin Lord Ivar Mountbatten.
During her latest interview, Meghan attempted to clarify the situation. “Well, when I got married, I changed my name. But it is a complicated one for people to understand because a last name is not typical in that construct,” she explained.
When asked directly whether Sussex is her real name, Meghan admitted, “It’s not, but it’s used loosely or roughly rather.” This confession has reignited debate about her role within the royal family and how she presents herself to the public.
Meghan even confessed she feels confused about her surname, especially as an American trying to adapt to the royal system. “It sounds so silly to say and I get it because I’m American and then I went there and I started to understand. Then you come back and as an American, you go, ‘I’m so confused.’”
She went on to explain that Sussex is not a family surname but a dukedom. “It’s a dukedom – and that’s the truth of it,” she said, before adding that she and Prince Harry have chosen to use Sussex as their family name.
“At the end of the day, yes, my legal name is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, but Sussex works for us as our family name and it is the name we share with our children,” Meghan clarified. “Since we’ve been married, that’s what I’ve been called.”
Read More: Monarchy Faces Collapse Without Prince Harry’s Return as Experts Deliver Chilling Warning
Her comments have drawn mixed reactions. Supporters praised her for being candid and attempting to simplify her public identity. Critics, however, accused her once again of misunderstanding or even misrepresenting royal traditions.
Lord Ivar Mountbatten, in particular, was quick to point out that her family name is not Sussex. He told Town & Country magazine, “It’s interesting because she’s completely incorrect. Her family name is not Sussex, her family name is Mountbatten Windsor.”
This correction highlights a sensitive issue. Royal titles and surnames carry deep historic meaning, and any misrepresentation tends to trigger strong reactions among royalists and experts alike. For Meghan, the fallout has once again placed her at the center of a heated debate.
Observers believe Meghan’s explanation reflects her struggle to balance her American identity with her royal title. Unlike Prince William and Princess Kate, who rarely face questions about their names, Meghan and Harry’s departure from royal duties has made every detail of their lives subject to scrutiny.
Critics argue that Meghan could avoid controversy by adhering strictly to royal protocol when discussing her name. Others suggest that her choice to use Sussex as a family surname is an attempt to maintain a sense of unity for her children, Archie and Lilibet.
For many fans, however, the bigger issue is not the technicalities of her surname but the way she communicates it. By blurring the lines between title and family name, Meghan has opened herself up to accusations of bending tradition for convenience.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear. Meghan Markle’s identity, from her name to her role within the monarchy, remains a lightning rod for attention. Whether intentional or not, her latest remarks have reignited the endless conversation about her place in the royal family and the world beyond
