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Is Meghan Markle Still a Princess?

Published 2 months ago on Feb 23, 2025

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, remains a prominent figure in the public eye, even after stepping back from her senior royal duties. However, questions surrounding her official titles and status persist.

Is she still a princess? What does "Duchess" mean? This article delves into the intricacies of royal titles, explaining Meghan's current standing within the British monarchy and clarifying the distinctions often misunderstood by the public.

The answer, in short, is complex. While Meghan is not styled as "Princess Meghan," she is technically a princess by marriage. Understanding this requires a closer look at the history and conventions surrounding royal titles.

The Evolution of Royal Titles:

Royal titles, steeped in tradition and history, are governed by a complex set of rules and protocols. Historically, the title of "prince" or "princess" was primarily bestowed upon children of the monarch or children of the monarch's sons. However, marriage into the royal family also grants certain title rights.

When Prince Harry married Meghan Markle, the Queen bestowed upon them the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This automatically granted Meghan the feminine equivalent of her husband's peerage, making her a duchess. Importantly, it also entitled her to be styled as "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex."

The "Princess" Question:

The confusion often arises because Meghan is not styled as "Princess Meghan." This is because, by birth, she is not a royal. Traditionally, a woman who marries a prince takes on the feminine form of his title. So, while she is a princess through marriage to Prince Harry, she is not a princess in her own right. Think of it this way: she's Princess Henry (her husband's name) of Wales, but not Princess Meghan.

This distinction is crucial. Princess Diana, for example, was styled as "Princess of Wales" because she was married to the Prince of Wales. However, she was not born a princess. Similarly, Catherine, Princess of Wales, holds her title through her marriage to Prince William.

The "HRH" Style:

The style of "Her Royal Highness" (HRH) is another important element. This style is typically granted to members of the royal family who carry out official duties on behalf of the monarch. Upon their marriage, Harry and Meghan were granted the HRH style.

However, following their decision to step back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan agreed to no longer use their HRH styles actively. While they technically retain the titles, they do not use the "HRH" in their day-to-day lives. This was a key part of the agreement reached with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Duchess of Sussex:

Meghan's primary title is now Duchess of Sussex. This is a substantive title, a peerage granted by the monarch upon her marriage. It is a significant title within the British aristocracy, denoting a high rank. Even though she no longer uses the HRH style, she remains the Duchess of Sussex.

The Implications of Stepping Back:

The decision by Harry and Meghan to step back from their royal duties had significant implications for their roles and titles. While they retained their titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Meghan remains a princess through marriage, they relinquished their HRH styles and no longer represent the monarchy in an official capacity.

This decision was driven by their desire for greater privacy and independence. They aimed to forge a new path, focusing on their philanthropic work and other personal endeavors. While they remain part of the broader royal family, they are no longer working royals.

The Public Perception:

Despite the clear distinctions outlined in royal protocol, public perception of Meghan's title can be varied. Many people may still refer to her as "Princess Meghan," reflecting a general understanding that she is part of the royal family. However, strictly speaking, her title is Duchess of Sussex.

A Summary of Meghan's Titles and Status:

Princess: Yes, by marriage to Prince Harry, she is Princess Henry of Wales. However, she is not styled as "Princess Meghan" as she was not born into the royal family.
Duchess: Yes, she is the Duchess of Sussex, a title granted by the Queen upon her marriage. This is her primary and most commonly used title.
HRH: While she technically retains the right to be styled as "Her Royal Highness," she no longer uses this style actively, following the agreement reached when she and Harry stepped back from royal duties.

The Future of Royal Titles:

The rules and conventions surrounding royal titles can evolve over time. Future monarchs may choose to make adjustments to the system, reflecting changing societal norms. However, for the time being, Meghan's status remains as described above. She is a princess by marriage, the Duchess of Sussex, and no longer uses the HRH style.

Understanding the nuances of royal titles can be confusing. It's important to rely on official sources and historical context to accurately describe Meghan's status within the royal family. While public perception may vary, the official position is clear: she is the Duchess of Sussex, a princess through marriage, and no longer a working royal. This nuanced understanding clarifies her position within the monarchy and dispels common misconceptions.

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