Meghan Markle facing backlash over name used to introduce her

A royal commentator has brutally dragged the Duchess of Sussex this week for emphasising that she is just that - the Duchess of Sussex.

For those in need of a reminder, though Meghan Markle and husband Prince Harry stepped down from their official responsibilities 2020 - citing 'bullying' by a number of senior royals - the pair still retain their honourable titles.

The only difference was that, in most cases, the 44-year-old would lose the 'the'. So, just, 'Meghan, Duchess of Sussex'.

Oh, and, apparently, after a mutual agreement with the institution, the couple were told they could no longer use the titles commercially.

Last year, the former Suits actress blindsided her fans by revealing that 'Sussex' is also her official surname, having had it bestowed upon her by Harry's late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, on their 2018 wedding day.

The couple are still 'Duke and Duchess of Sussex' (Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images)

Their children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, also bear the same last name.

But going back to her 'Duchess' title. According to reports, the mother-of-two earlier this week re-emphasised that it's how she prefers to be addressed in semi-formal settings, after sitting down with Harper's Bazaar for a high-fashion interview.

Having been chosen to feature on the cover of its December 2025/January 2026 issue, Meghan spoke to journalist Kaitlyn Greenidge, who claimed that upon meeting, an onlooker announced her name.

"We’re in a grand brownstone on the Upper East Side that belongs to one of Meghan’s friends," Greenidge wrote.

"When I enter, the house manager announces, 'Meghan, Duchess of Sussex', even though we appear to be the only other two people in the house."

Meghan Markle came under fire for her title use (Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images)

Unsurprisingly, it didn't take long for Meghan to endure the wrath of several royal critics, including US-based commentator Kinsey Schofield.

Taking to YouTube, she hit out over the reporter's coverage, claiming Meghan should have done more to have this aspect of the article removed.

Of Greenidge, she began: "What an idiot you look like woman. This entire article, she’s kissing Meghan’s b***. But if I were in Meghan’s team, I’d hate if that was left it. I’d have asked if that could be removed.

"I felt they had that kind of power, but that is one of the worst representations throughout the article."

Thankfully, etiquette expert Myka Meier has since defended the controversial moment, telling US Weekly: "From an etiquette standpoint, using a British title either socially or professionally globally - including the US - is not unusual or improper.

An etiquette expert defended Meghan (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

"Especially, when the person is widely known by that title."

She added: "The choice of how each member of the royal family wishes to be addressed is ultimately up to that individual."

On Meghan's case specifically, 'her title would be the formal way of address which is likely how her team was trained to introduce her', Meier continued.

"It is more a matter of personal style or preference of each titled person."