Meghan Markle has never been one to shy away from making bold decisions, and now, she’s making headlines again. The former Suits actress has officially confirmed that she’s changed her name—and the revelation has left fans stunned.
The announcement came during a candid conversation on her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, where she sat down with actress and comedian Mindy Kaling. Markle, whose full birth name is Rachel Meghan Markle, surprised Kaling—and the audience—by revealing that she now identifies with a different moniker in her everyday life.
Her revelation has sparked an intense debate, with reactions pouring in from both supporters and critics.
Meghan Markle No More? The Name Change That Has Everyone Talking
For years, Meghan Markle has been a household name. From her Hollywood career to her whirlwind romance with Prince Harry, the world has come to know and recognize her by the name she used throughout her acting career.
But now, she’s made it clear—she no longer considers “Markle” to be her surname.
During the second episode of With Love, Meghan, Mindy Kaling repeatedly referred to her as “Meghan Markle.” That’s when the Duchess of Sussex decided to set the record straight.
“It’s so funny that you keep saying ‘Meghan Markle,’” she told Kaling with a laugh before dropping a bombshell. “You know I’m Sussex now.”
The declaration instantly set social media ablaze, with fans questioning why she made the switch—and what it means for her public identity moving forward.
Social Media Erupts Over Meghan’s Decision
The internet wasted no time reacting to Meghan’s unexpected revelation.
While some users saw it as another attempt to distance herself from the royal family while still benefiting from their legacy, others defended her choice, arguing that it’s a personal decision and a meaningful one.
One critic didn’t hold back:
“Good Lord! She wants the name but doesn’t want anything to do with the family.”
Another questioned the contradiction in her actions:
“What happened to that quiet life she wanted? First, she leaves the royal duties behind, now she wants to hold onto the name?”
Some even accused her of trying to have it both ways:
“You walked away from the honor of having that title, and now you want to keep it? You can’t pick and choose.”
But while detractors were quick to voice their opinions, Meghan also received unwavering support from her fan base.
“The hate for Meghan Markle is ridiculous. Why do people care so much? It’s her name, her life,” one user wrote.
Another fan echoed the sentiment:
“They claim to hate her, but they can’t stop talking about her. That tells you everything you need to know.”
The Meaning Behind Her Decision
For Meghan, her new last name—Sussex—is more than just a title. It represents something deeply personal: family unity.
She and Prince Harry officially became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after their royal wedding in 2018. Since then, they’ve built their family together, welcoming their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in 2019 and their daughter Lilibet Diana in 2021.
Markle explained that once she became a mother, her surname took on a new significance.
“When you have kids, you realize that you want to share a name with them,” she explained. “I didn’t realize how much it would mean to me, but it’s important to know that we are the Sussex family—our little family unit.”
The Royal Fallout: Should Meghan and Harry Keep Their Titles?
Ever since Meghan and Harry stepped down from their royal duties in 2020, critics have called for them to be stripped of their titles. Despite distancing themselves from the monarchy, they have retained the Sussex name—a fact that has only fueled public debate.
Some believe they should renounce all royal ties if they truly want to live independently, while others argue that their titles were bestowed upon them at marriage and should remain theirs, regardless of their decision to leave.
The couple’s ongoing use of “Sussex” has kept them at the center of controversy, with many in the UK feeling they shouldn’t benefit from a title if they’re no longer working royals.
However, Meghan’s latest revelation suggests that her connection to the name is about family identity rather than status.
A Love Story Sealed with a Name
Meghan further elaborated on her decision in a recent People magazine interview, where she spoke about the role her last name plays in her relationship with Prince Harry.
“As the kids get older, they’re so excited to learn about their family history. They’ll ask, ‘Mama and Papa, how did you meet?'” she said.
She explained that for her, the name Sussex symbolizes their love story and everything they’ve built together.
“A huge part of our love story is that we share this name. It’s something we’re proud of.”
She ended the conversation with a simple but powerful statement:
“It means a lot to me.”
What’s Next for Meghan?
With her name change now public, the question remains: What does this mean for Meghan Markle’s public identity moving forward?
Will she continue using “Markle” professionally, or will she fully transition into being known as “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex”? Will this decision fuel further criticism, or will fans embrace it as a natural evolution of her personal journey?
Regardless of the public’s opinion, Meghan seems unbothered by the controversy. For her, this is about family, love, and creating a lasting legacy for her children.
Whether people love her or hate her, one thing is clear—she’s making her own rules, on her own terms.