Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently launched their new website which has generated much buzz, particularly around Meghan’s choice to go by her first name only, dropping her family name.
On the landing page, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle introduced themselves using their royal titles, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. However, many noticed Meghan’s new alias in their re-entry into the digital space.
The former “Suits” star now goes by her first name only. This decision is seen as a nod to the royal family’s practice, where members typically use their first names and titles only. On the website, Meghan is referred to simply as Meghan, aligning with the royal custom and marking a bold statement of her identity within the royal context.
Meghan Markle visits Canada House to meet with Ms. Janice Charette at Canada House on January 7, 2020 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Meghan Markle talks to guests during an event at Kensington Palace on September 20, 2018 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
This change sparked a wave of support on social media platforms like Facebook. Comments that showed positive reception of her new moniker, such as “Perfectly Beautiful,” “Very good,” and “Love her!” were left by Meghan’s supporters
One person also noted, “Good on her, she has done well, against all odds,” while others wrote, “Meghan, An Amazing Woman!” and “Happy for her, God bless her and her family.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games on September 25, 2017, in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
Meghan and Harry’s website includes various aspects of the former’s life, focusing predominantly on her advocacies, notable achievements, and charitable work. While it doesn’t offer extensive details about her personal life, Meghan has been open about her identity and upbringing in previous discussions.
In a 2015 interview, she described herself as “an actress, a writer, the Editor-in-Chief of my lifestyle brand The Tig, a pretty good cook, and a firm believer in handwritten notes.” Admittedly, her description of herself summed up the person she was.
Meghan Markle during the Wes Gordon runway show during MADE Fashion Week Fall 2015 at Milk Studios on February 13, 2015 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce their engagement on November 27, 2017, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Meghan’s background as a mixed-race individual also plays a significant role in her story. Her mixed heritage, with an African-American mother and Caucasian father, influenced her experiences and perspective.
Her parents, Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle, met in the 1970s as he was working in Hollywood and she was building a career as a makeup artist. They eventually tied the knot and welcomed Meghan in 1981. According to Meghan’s brother, she was their father’s princess, whom Thomas called his angel.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their engagement at Kensington Palace on November 27, 2017, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Growing up in The Valley in Los Angeles, Meghan was already exposed to discrimination without knowing it. When she was with her mom, bystanders assumed her mother was the nanny due to their different complexions. However, she was still too young to understand then. Now an adult, Meghan is using her voice to advocate for kindness and equality, especially among women.
As previously posted on February 14:
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently launched a new website, transitioning from the Sussex Royal URL handle to simply Sussex. Despite stepping back from official royal duties, they continue to use their titles, Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The website includes a section designed to offer the public more insight into their lives and work.
Notably, Meghan’s page introduces her using only her first name, omitting her family name. This decision reflects a common practice among British Royals, who are frequently referred to by their first names and titles.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace on November 27, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan’s narrative on the site includes her upbringing, painting a picture of her journey from a young South California girl to the influential figure she is today. The page also featured her advocacies for women, mental health, gender equality, and family care.
Meghan Markle at the Variety Power of Women event in Los Angeles, California on November 16, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan’s impact and recognition are also highlighted through her inclusion in various world rankings, marking her as a notable figure on the global stage.
Now residing in California as a mother of two, Meghan and Harry have embarked on a new chapter away from their roles as senior members of the British Royal Family. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, whose names are emblematic of their continued connection to Harry’s heritage, are a significant part of their lives in America.
Meghan Markle at The Fashion Awards in London, England on December 10, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Following their move, the couple launched the Archewell Foundation and introduced the podcast “Archetypes,” initiatives that underline their ongoing commitment to public service and discourse.
Meghan Markle at the College Women of The Year event in New York City on April 27, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan’s details are available on the Royal Family’s official website, though it offers limited information about her advocacies and activities. It mentions that she and her husband have stepped back as senior members, stating, “The Duchess will continue to support various charitable causes and organizations that align with her longstanding interests, including the arts, education access, women’s support, and animal welfare.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards | Source: Getty images
Recently, in light of King Charles’ recent cancer diagnosis, Prince Harry returned to London to be by his father’s side. However, Meghan Markle decided to stay in America during this period.
The reasons behind Meghan’s choice to remain in America, while not confirmed were revealed by the King’s former butler, Grant Harrold.
“Meghan made the decision that it was best to stay home with the children, and maybe she feels that this is something Harry has got to do alone,” he said. “It’s his father. She’s aware of the close relationship and probably encouraged him to come over.”
As previously reported on February 13:
Since stepping back from royal duties and moving to America, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal-related actions have been scrutinized. Their recent website launch, has drawn attention for maintaining their royal titles on the landing page.
Meghan Markle spotted arriving for the Ripple Awards Gala in New York City on December 6, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
This move has sparked debates on Twitter, with some users questioning the necessity of these titles for the couple’s work and others calling for the titles to be removed, highlighting their disconnection from the monarchy.
Upon entering their new website, internet users are greeted with the line “THE OFFICE OF PRINCE HARRY & MEGHAN THE DUKE & DUCHESS OF SUSSEX.” Some frustrated social media users took their sentiments to Twitter and aired their thoughts.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in New York in 2022 | Source: Getty Images
“Question for the #SussexSquad weren’t y’all insisting that Harry & Meghan DO NOT NEED royal titles yet launched a website with exactly that?? #PATHETIC The Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex” one tweet read.
“They hold no official offices, they are not connected to the monarchy or the royal family with their work in any way,” another Twitter user pointed out.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a local farming family, the Woodleys, on October 17, 2018 in Dubbo, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
“They need their titles removed from them,” a third protested, highlighting how Prince Harry and Meghan are profiting through the royal titles without honoring the royal family.
A fourth person wondered if it was legal for those who have left their royal duties to still hold the same title. “They have gotten away with too much already,” the person tweeted.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on March 9, 2020, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The new website features information about the couple, recent news, and links to their Archwell Foundation and Archwell Productions websites, differing from their former website’s focus on the three topics: supporting the community, serving the Monarchy, and strengthening the Commonwealth.
Most recently, Prince Harry flew to London after his father’s cancer diagnosis was revealed publicly. Meanwhile, his wife stayed home in California to take care of their two children.