Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have increasingly emphasized their use of “Sussex” as a shared family surname in both personal and professional contexts. As public figures with international recognition, their choice to align their identity with their royal title reflects both personal values and branding clarity. The move has sparked conversation, including light-hearted moments among friends, such as a recent story involving Oprah Winfrey.
In a recent episode of Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa, Oprah shared an anecdote involving the Sussexes, providing a friendly glimpse into their ongoing relationship. While the story was shared in a humorous context, it has also brought renewed attention to how the couple presents themselves publicly and how their chosen identity is perceived.
A Family Name Rooted in Royal Tradition
The title “Duke and Duchess of Sussex” was conferred upon Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day, May 19, 2018. In accordance with British royal traditions, such titles can serve as territorial designations, and are often used in official capacities. While members of the Royal Family do not typically use surnames, when needed, the children of dukes often use their father’s territorial designation as a last name. For example, Prince George and Princess Charlotte have used “Cambridge” in school settings prior to William’s appointment as Prince of Wales.
In recent years, Prince Harry and Meghan have formally embraced “Sussex” as their family surname, particularly in everyday usage and in contexts outside of their royal duties.
In a 2024 interview with People Magazine, Meghan confirmed that she, Harry, and their children, Archie (6) and Lilibet (4), had adopted “Sussex” as their family name in daily life. She described the decision as a meaningful expression of familial unity and identity.
This choice is consistent with British royal naming conventions, which allow descendants of the monarch or their immediate family to use the name derived from their father’s ducal title when necessary.
The Sussex Identity in Media and Public Life
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to the United States, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have built a new life focused on philanthropy, media, and entrepreneurship. Through their company Archewell, they have launched podcasts, documentaries, and charitable initiatives aimed at supporting mental health, community resilience, and social justice causes.
In their Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, and other public appearances, the couple has maintained the use of their titles professionally while also personalizing their image. Meghan reinforced their family name usage during the filming of As Ever, Meghan, when she gently corrected actress Mindy Kaling, who referred to her by her maiden name, “Markle.”
Such moments illustrate the couple’s desire to move forward as a family unit with a cohesive identity while continuing their global advocacy work.
A Light-Hearted Moment with Oprah Winfrey
In a recent podcast episode with Kelly Ripa, Oprah Winfrey shared a humorous story about an Easter weekend interaction with Prince Harry. According to Oprah, Harry contacted her about a small situation involving ducklings near their Montecito, California, homes.
The lighthearted exchange, as shared by Oprah, centered around Harry asking to bring the ducklings to her pond. Oprah recalled the moment with a smile, noting that the playful conversation occurred just as her friend Gayle King’s grandchildren were visiting.
After the story, the conversation shifted to Easter traditions. When asked by Ripa if she would consider gifting baby chicks, Oprah jokingly responded, “I’d run them straight to the Sussexes,” a remark made in a friendly and jovial tone.
Some listeners noticed that Oprah pronounced “Sussex” with exaggerated emphasis—seemingly for comedic effect. While clearly shared in good humor, the remark drew attention to how the title has become closely associated with Meghan and Harry’s public identity, and how it resonates even among close friends and media figures.
The Power of Name Recognition in Royal and Public Life
For public figures like Prince Harry and Meghan, name recognition plays an important role in shaping public engagement and branding. As royals who have transitioned into private life, the use of “Sussex” bridges the gap between tradition and autonomy.
The couple continues to use their official titles in professional contexts, in accordance with guidelines set by Buckingham Palace following their departure from full-time royal duties. While they no longer use “HRH” styles in official capacities, their titles—Duke and Duchess of Sussex—remain intact and are used in formal documents, branding, and media releases.
In professional and creative ventures, such as their deals with Netflix, Spotify, and Penguin Random House, they are often referred to as “Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.” This form of address reinforces the brand identity they have chosen to retain while also distinguishing their public work.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
As with all high-profile figures, Harry and Meghan’s public decisions are regularly scrutinized and discussed in global media. Their choice to adopt “Sussex” as a family surname, while fully within traditional norms, has sparked commentary from fans, critics, and commentators alike.
However, their decision has been consistent with past royal precedents. For example, Prince William and Catherine were previously referred to as the Cambridge family, and their children used “Cambridge” as a surname in school settings. Now, as the Prince and Princess of Wales, their children are expected to use “Wales” in official and academic contexts.
By using “Sussex,” Prince Harry and Meghan are aligning their personal identity with long-standing royal tradition while also creating a shared sense of unity for their children.
Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Personal Identity
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s use of “Sussex” as a shared family surname reflects their commitment to maintaining both a personal and public identity rooted in tradition. As they continue to navigate life outside the royal institution while pursuing advocacy and creative projects, their consistent branding under the Sussex name reinforces their values as a modern, family-focused couple.
Lighthearted interactions—such as the one Oprah shared—highlight how public figures remain the subject of friendly humor, even among friends. But at the core, Harry and Meghan’s approach to identity and naming reveals a thoughtful and intentional decision to remain connected as a family while carving their path forward.
