Meghan Markle‘s Sussex title sits at the center of a fresh debate about brand and protocol. In a recent profile, the former “Suits” alum was introduced in-room as “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,” which critics say blurs lines between royalty and commerce.
In the Harper’s Bazaar interview, Meghan Markle also shows how the title plays in U.S. settings, from school visits to business lunches. Consequently, experts are split on what is optics versus overreach, while the duchess continues expanding her business ventures,” As Ever”, and on-screen projects.
Meghan Markle’s Sussex title is useful for ‘business activities’ in US, per expert
According to Fox News’ roundup of royal watchers, broadcaster Helena Chard argued the strategy is deliberate. She said, “It’s bizarre and highlights that Meghan attaches enormous importance to her royal status.” Chard added, “Meghan will cling to her Duchess of Sussex title because it gives her a sense of importance.” Crucially, she said, “The title remains useful for Meghan’s business activities, particularly in the United States. It gets people talking and keeps her in the limelight.”
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams pointed to the house-manager announcement cited in the Meghan Markle Harper’s Bazaar interview. He said, “The scene where the title is used when there are only two people in the room highlights this.” However, Fitzwilliams allowed, “It is, however, perfectly correct for her to use it when announced before meeting a group of children in Los Angeles.”
U.S. analyst Hilary Fordwich framed the moments as intentional. “Nothing she does is by accident,” she said, calling the usage “very intentional.” She also argued, “The use of her royal title is beyond pretentious. It’s hypocritical at best.”
Meanwhile, Kinsey Schofield emphasized the compliance optics around merchandising and gifting. She said Meghan is “walking a fine line by flaunting her title commercially,” referencing a gift basket signed “HRH Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,” which her team later described as private. Additionally, Schofield noted the broader scrutiny of post-royal engagements.
Still, Meghan Markle’s royal title, Duchess of Sussex, remains a legitimate style under convention, even after stepping back. Moreover, the couple agreed to avoid HRH styling publicly and not use “Sussex Royal” commercially. As debate continues, the practical question persists in the U.S. market. The title opens doors, yet, as critics warn, it also invites ongoing questions about where statesmanship ends and entrepreneurship begins.
