Meghan Markle Sets the Record Straight on Her Name and Identity
Meghan Markle has always been a figure of fascination, but in her new Netflix series With Love, Meghan, she’s giving fans an up-close and personal look at her life. During the second episode of the show, which premiered recently, Meghan had a heartwarming and humorous exchange with her guest, Mindy Kaling. The conversation revealed not just their friendship but also Meghan’s thoughts on her identity and name. Kaling, known for her roles in The Office and The Mindy Project, referred to Meghan as “Meghan Markle” multiple times during their chat. However, Meghan gently corrected her, reminding her that she now goes by “Sussex.”
Meghan explained that the name Sussex holds deep meaning for her, especially as it unites her family. “You have kids and you go, ‘No, I share my name with my children,’” she said. This moment highlighted how much becoming a mother has shaped her sense of self. The name Sussex isn’t just a royal title; it’s a symbol of her family’s unity and her journey as a wife and mother. In an interview with People earlier this week, Meghan echoed this sentiment, saying, “I love that that is something that Archie, Lili, Harry, and I all have together.”
The Significance of the Sussex Name
The Sussex name became part of Meghan’s identity when she married Prince Harry in May 2018. At the time, the couple was granted the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, were originally known as Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. However, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the ascension of King Charles III, the siblings’ titles were updated to Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.
This change was confirmed earlier this year, solidifying the Sussex name as the family’s official last name. For Meghan, this name is more than just a royal title—it’s a way to connect her children to their heritage while building a new chapter in their lives together. She shared that as her kids grow older, they’re beginning to ask more about their parents’ love story, and the name Sussex plays a central role in that narrative.
Life Beyond Royal Titles: Parenting and Partnership
While the Sussex name is significant, Meghan’s life is about more than just titles. In her Netflix series, she delves into her experiences as a mother and wife, offering a glimpse into the personal side of her life. Her children, Archie and Lili, are often mentioned throughout the series, even though they don’t appear on camera. Harry, too, makes a brief appearance in the final episode, alongside Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.
Meghan opened up about how much joy she finds in being a “present” mom to her two children, calling it “a real delight.” This focus on family is a recurring theme in the series, which also features conversations with friends like Mindy Kaling and others close to her. The show is as much about Meghan’s personal journey as it is about the larger themes of love, identity, and parenthood.
Bonding Over Shared Experiences with Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling’s episode was a standout in the series, as she and Meghan bonded over their shared experiences as “latchkey kids” and now as mothers. Their conversation was light-hearted and relatable, with moments of humor that fans of both women will appreciate. At one point, Kaling joked about how people wouldn’t believe that Meghan, now the Duchess of Sussex, ever ate at Jack in the Box. Meghan’s response was both funny and touching, as she emphasized how much her name and family mean to her.
The chemistry between Meghan and Mindy was undeniable, and their chat offered a reminder that even the most famous women deal with universal challenges. From parenting to balancing careers, the two women’s conversation felt refreshingly honest and real. It’s these kinds of moments that make With Love, Meghan more than just a celebrity interview series—it’s a celebration of connection, love, and life’s everyday moments.
The Broader Picture: Family, Love, and Legacy
In the end, With Love, Meghan is a show about love in all its forms—romantic love, familial love, and self-love. Meghan’s journey from actress to duchess and now to a mother and advocate is one of the most talked-about stories in recent years, and this series gives her a platform to share her story on her own terms. The name Sussex isn’t just her last name; it’s a reminder of the family she’s built and the life she’s created with Harry, Archie, and Lilibet.
As Meghan looks to the future, she’s clearly focused on building a legacy that goes beyond titles or fame. Whether she’s talking about her kids, her marriage, or her name, it’s all part of the same story—one of love, growth, and finding your place in the world. With Love, Meghan is more than just a show; it’s a testament to the power of love and family to shape who we are and where we’re going.
