Why the Sussex Titles Matter: Meghan Markle’s Family Legacy
Despite stepping away from royal duties in 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are holding onto their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, and Meghan just spilled the tea on why they mean so much to her. In a recent interview with People, Markle expressed that the title is an integral part of their family identity, particularly as they navigate parenting their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. “It’s our shared name as a family,” she said, reminding us that love stories often come with a royal twist.
The couple received their titles from Harry’s late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, during their wedding in May 2018, and it seems they’re not ready to abandon that piece of their history. Harry echoed this sentiment during an interview with Anderson Cooper, questioning the impact of renouncing the titles. “What difference would that make?” he pondered, suggesting that their royal status is more about family legacy than public opinion.
Interestingly, this decision has been met with mixed reactions, as many commentators and royal watchers have suggested they should relinquish their titles given their new life in California and ongoing criticism of their royal ties. A 2021 YouGov poll indicated that public support for the couple had waned, with only 30% of respondents holding a favorable view of them, down from 53% shortly after their wedding. Yet, it seems the Sussexes remain unfazed by the chatter.
Markle has also faced scrutiny regarding her professional ventures since departing from royal life, including the recent launch of her company, As Ever, which originally had a different name. Juggling her new business and family life, she reflected on the challenges of being in the public eye while learning the ropes of royal life and entrepreneurship. “I appreciate everyone who gave me the grace to make mistakes and figure it out,” she said, a sentiment that resonates with anyone navigating the complexities of public scrutiny.
Ultimately, Meghan and Harry appear to be carving out a unique space for themselves, balancing royal heritage with their modern lifestyle. While they may not be fulfilling traditional royal roles, their titles remain a symbol of their journey and a connection to their family, a point that Meghan finds deeply meaningful as a mother. In a world where titles can be dismissed as mere formalities, the Sussexes are proving that for them, it’s about bonding, legacy, and a little bit of royal magic.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, YouGov, 60 Minutes
Image Credit: Title: Untitled, Author: No author info, License: [‘cc_attribute’, ‘cc_nonderived’, ‘cc_publicdomain’]
