Wait, why does she still have it? That’s the question that lights up the comments section of every news story featuring the Duchess of Sussex. Honestly, the Meghan Markle royal titles debate isn’t just about a name on a letterhead; it’s a weirdly complex mix of British constitutional law, family drama, and the cutthroat world of American branding.
People are divided. One side sees the titles as an unearned marketing tool for Netflix deals and jam jars. The other side argues it’s a birthright—or at least a marriage right—that she has every legal reason to keep. Kinda messy, right?
The "Duchess" Brand: Why the Titles Still Matter
When Meghan and Harry stepped back from being "working royals" in 2020, they entered a legal gray area. They stopped using the HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) style, but they kept the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
Fast forward to 2026, and the stakes feel higher. Critics argue that using a royal title to sell lifestyle products—like the recent buzz around Meghan’s American Riviera Orchard—violates the spirit of the original "Sandringham Summit" agreement. Experts like Andrew Eborn have pointed out that the Royal Family tends to keep their distance as long as commercial ventures are front-and-center.
💡 You might also like: Will Anderson and Taylor Swift: What Most People Get Wrong
But here’s the thing most people miss: Meghan views "Sussex" as her family name now. She’s told interviewers that it’s what connects her to her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. To her, it’s not a job title; it’s an identity.
What’s the legal reality?
Most people think King Charles can just snap his digits and take the titles away. He can't. Not exactly.
Removing a peerage (like "Duke of Sussex") actually requires an Act of Parliament. There is a "Removal of Titles Bill" that has been floating around the House of Commons, sponsored by MP Rachael Maskell. It’s designed to give the Monarch more power to strip titles, but these types of private members' bills rarely become law.
- The HRH Style: This is a gift from the Monarch. Charles could technically issue a "Letters Patent" to formally remove it, much like he did with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in late 2025.
- The Peerage: Duke and Duchess are different. That’s a "dignity" that usually requires parliamentary intervention to dissolve.
- The Surname Factor: Since the kids use Sussex as a last name, stripping the title creates a weird naming vacuum for the whole family.
Why the Debate Is Exploding Right Now
The heat turned up recently because of some very specific "protocol" moments. For instance, reports surfaced that a staffer formally announced her as "The Duchess of Sussex" during a simple magazine interview. For some, that feels pretentious. For others, it’s just how things are done when you hold a title.
There's also the "Sarah Ferguson Precedent." People love to compare Meghan to Fergie. Sarah kept her Duchess of York title after her divorce and used it to write books and do Weight Watchers commercials. The difference? Fergie wasn't perceived as "attacking" the institution in the same way the Sussexes' Netflix docuseries was.
👉 See also: What Year Did Hugh Hefner Die? The Story Behind His Final Days
The Numbers Don't Lie
Public opinion in the UK is pretty harsh at the moment. According to January 2026 YouGov trackers, Meghan's favourability has hit an all-time low of 19%.
- Prince William & Kate: 74–77% positive rating.
- King Charles: 60% positive.
- Prince Harry: 31% positive.
- Meghan Markle: 19% positive.
When nearly 66% of the British public views you negatively, the "title" becomes a lightning rod for all that frustration. They see it as "having your cake and eating it too."
Can King Charles Actually Do Anything?
Honestly, Charles is in a tough spot. He wants to be a "unifier," and he definitely doesn't want to make the rift with his son any worse. Stripping the titles might look vindictive. It gives the Sussexes more "ammo" for the narrative that they are being bullied by the "men in grey suits."
Reports suggest the King is "reluctant" to start any formal stripping process. He’s choosing the "slow fade" approach—letting them keep the titles but keeping them completely out of the royal fold. No balcony appearances, no state dinners, no official support.
What This Means for You (The Actionable Part)
If you're following the Meghan Markle royal titles debate because you care about branding or the future of the monarchy, here is what you should actually keep an eye on:
- Watch the UK Parliament: If the "Removal of Titles Bill" actually gains government support (not just a single MP), that’s a massive signal that the King has given the green light.
- Check the Branding: Look at how Meghan signs her work. If she shifts toward "Meghan Sussex" instead of "The Duchess of Sussex," it’s a sign of a "soft" rebranding to quiet the critics.
- The Divorce Clause: It’s a dark thought, but legally, if they ever divorced, she would become "Meghan, Duchess of Sussex" (similar to how Diana was "Diana, Princess of Wales"), lose the "The" at the front, and lose the title entirely if she remarried.
Basically, the debate isn't ending anytime soon. It's a clash between an ancient system of honors and a modern world where "Duchess" is a global brand.
For now, she’s still the Duchess. Whether that’s a badge of honor or a marketing anchor depends entirely on which side of the Atlantic you're sitting on.
Next Steps to Stay Informed:
- Monitor the UK Parliament Bill Office for updates on the "Removal of Titles Bill" (specifically Bill 317).
- Follow the YouGov Royal Tracker for quarterly shifts in public sentiment, as this often dictates how much pressure the Palace feels to act.
- Observe the US Patent and Trademark Office filings for any new businesses under "Sussex" or "Meghan Markle" to see how the branding evolves.