Meghan Markle has once again found herself at the center of a heated debate after her latest feature in the winter edition of Harper’s Bazaar USA revealed surprising details about how she was introduced during recent interviews.
The Duchess of Sussex, who has repeatedly spoken about the challenges of royal life and her desire to step away from the monarchy, stirred controversy when it was disclosed that she was formally announced using her royal title on multiple occasions.
According to the magazine’s cover story, Meghan’s introduction took place in strikingly formal fashion. When she arrived for an interview at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, a golf cart pulled up before someone in the welcoming group introduced her as The Duchess of Sussex.
Later, during a separate meet up in New York, the house manager announced her as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, even though she and the interviewer were reportedly the only ones in the house.
These revelations immediately triggered a wave of criticism from commentators, royal experts, and online users who questioned why Meghan continues to embrace royal titles after distancing herself from the institution in 2020. Her public statements about feeling unhappy within the monarchy, paired with her continued use of the Duchess title, proved to be a powerful spark for renewed debate.
With the controversy growing louder, Harper’s Bazaar consulted etiquette expert Myka Meier to clarify whether Meghan’s use of her title was inappropriate or a matter of personal preference. According to Meier, Meghan Markle had done nothing wrong.
The expert explained that individuals with any formal title have the right to choose how they wish to be introduced. This flexibility applies not only to royals, but also to professionals such as doctors and high ranking political figures.
Meier emphasized that Meghan’s choice to be introduced formally reflects her personal comfort level, and the decision remains completely hers regardless of her departure from royal duties. She noted that stepping back from senior roles did not automatically strip Meghan or Prince Harry of their titles, and therefore, Meghan is well within her rights to continue using Duchess of Sussex as part of her identity.
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Despite this clear explanation, the optics remain a point of contention. Critics argue that Meghan’s decision contradicts her long standing complaints about the rigidity of royal protocol.
They believe her preference for formal introductions sends mixed messages about her relationship with the monarchy. For critics, the contradiction lies in rejecting royal constraints while still embracing the prestige attached to a royal title.
Supporters, however, see the situation differently. They argue that Meghan Markle is simply exercising her right to choose what feels appropriate for her professional and personal image. They also point out that she and Prince Harry have maintained their titles legally, even after stepping away from their senior roles, making their use entirely acceptable.
The debate also reflects the ongoing fascination with Meghan Markle’s evolving identity since leaving the United Kingdom.
Every detail, from her fashion choices to her public statements and professional decisions, continues to ignite intense discussion. Her introduction as The Duchess of Sussex is simply the latest chapter in a story that remains as polarizing as ever.
The Harper’s Bazaar feature ultimately makes clear that Meghan’s use of her royal title is allowed by etiquette standards. Yet it still raises questions about her evolving relationship with an institution she once described as deeply restrictive.
Whether viewed as a harmless formality or a deliberate choice to maintain royal prestige, the decision has once again placed Meghan Markle under a global spotlight she can never quite escape.
