A Shift in Succession

When Queen Elizabeth died on 8 September 2022, Charles became King, and William moved up as heir to the throne. This succession change also advanced Harry and his children in the royal order, paving the way for Archie and Lilibet to be formally recognized as Prince and Princess.

According to Meghan, Charles’ accession also meant their children could now use the surname Sussex rather than Mountbatten-Windsor. Their official names are listed as Archie Harrison, Prince of Sussex, and Lilibet Diana, Princess of Sussex.

Meghan on Embracing the Sussex Name

Meghan revealed the significance of this change during an episode of her Netflix series, Love Meghan. The topic came up after actress Mindy Kaling referred to her as “Meghan Markle.”

“I don’t think anyone in the world knows that Meghan Markle has eaten Jack in the Box and loves it,” Mindy joked, after Meghan admitted to enjoying the fast food chain.

Meghan responded by pointing out that she no longer goes by Markle:
“It’s so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle, you know I’m Sussex now,” she explained. “You have kids and you go, ‘No, I share my name with my children.’ I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me but it just means so much to go, ‘This is OUR family name. Our little family name.'”

To that, Mindy replied warmly: “Well, now I know and I love it.”