Meghan's use of "Sussex" as a surname follows established royal protocol, contrary to suggestions of breaking tradition.
The practice of royals using their titles as surnames is longstanding within the Royal Family.
It represents a common shorthand that has been employed by numerous members of the monarchy throughout generations.
Wendy Bosberry-Scott, editor of Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, explains: "The official surname of the Royal Family is Mountbatten-Windsor. However, it has long been the practice of the Royal Family, and indeed the peerage, to use a title as a surname where one is available."
Meghan's use of "Sussex" as a surname follows established royal protocol, contrary to suggestions of breaking tradition.
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"This is why when Prince Harry was in the army, he was known as Harry Wales, as his father was then Prince of Wales."
"Now that he is the Duke of Sussex, it is perfectly within protocol for him to use Harry Sussex and for his wife to use Meghan Sussex," Bosberry-Scott continues.
She adds: "Typically, where a title is involved, children are registered under both names, as was the case when Prince Archie was registered in 2019; he appears in the indexes of the General Register Office under Sussex and Mountbatten-Windsor."
This practice extends to other members of the Royal Family as well. Prince William and his children use Wales as their surname, reflecting his status as the Prince of Wales.
Prince William and his children use Wales as their surname, reflecting his status as the Prince of Wales.
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Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie also used York as their surname before marriage, after their father's title as Duke of York.
The children of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, however, use Mountbatten-Windsor.
Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, confirms this practice, explaining: "It is a practice that has been going on for years. While not specifically dictated in the rules according to Buckingham Palace, there is fluidity."
The Duchess of Sussex made her feelings clear on the issue during a filmed exchange with American actress Mindy Kaling.
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During a casual conversation about childhood favourite fast foods, Kaling repeatedly referred to her host as "Meghan Markle".
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During a casual conversation about childhood favourite fast foods, Kaling repeatedly referred to her host as "Meghan Markle".
She promptly corrected her guest, insisting: "It's so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I'm 'Sussex' now."
After her correction, Meghan explained the title's significance: "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'."
The exchange occurred during the second episode of Meghan's series, where she was demonstrating how to host a children's party.
