Meghan Markle Reveals Why the Sussex Title Is Her “Family Name”

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Meghan Markle by any other name would still be Meghan.

The intricate naming system of the British royal family often leaves Americans puzzled. Titles like dukedoms and inheritance rules add to the complexity, making it challenging to comprehend their naming conventions. However, let Meghan Markle, who joined the royal family upon her marriage to Prince Harry, clarify the matter for us.

She explained to Emily Chang during their latest conversation for Bloomberg, which aired on August 26, “Upon marriage, I altered my surname.” However, she added that the change can be confusing to others since her new name structure isn’t commonly used.

In actuality, when discussing her title “Sussex,” Meghan admitted that the term can be used more casually as a surname. However, it’s essential to understand that “Sussex” isn’t merely a last name; rather, it represents her dukedom. So, her formal name is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

For individuals who are fans of the royal family, particularly those who recall the former “Suits” actress referencing herself as “Meghan Sussex” in the first season of “With Love, Meghan”, Meghan, who is the mother of Prince Archie, aged 6, and Princess Lilibet, aged 4, with Harry, has a response.

She clarified that “Sussex” serves as their last name, which they also pass on to their kids. It is a name they all carry within their family.

If you’re still finding it difficult to comprehend the royal puzzle, don’t worry, many others feel the same way. The 44-year-old confessed that he could relate because “As an American, I get it. I went there and started to understand, but then when you come back, you think, ‘I’m so confused.’

Additionally, Meghan spoke about the apparent fixation on her name and position within the family ever since her marriage.

She shared that regardless of what names she goes by, her identity remains unaltered. This aspect hasn’t altered who she is, and it might be the most notable characteristic about her.

However, it’s not just royal customs that Meghan learned during her time overseas before Harry and she resigned as senior royals and relocated to California in 2020; she also developed a fondness for the radio.

In her candid confession during season two of “With Love, Meghan,” Tan France was acknowledged to have shared that what she dearly misses about England is the radio station called Magic.

In reply, the host of Queer Eye playfully remarked, “I must admit it openly, but that channel seems rather old-fashioned, like something your grandmother would watch.

Meghan eagerly embraces this classification, chuckling as she says, ‘I’m going to be the grandmother,’ and adding, ‘My car radio’s favorite station is named ‘Mom Jeans.’

For more of the revelations from the second installment of Meghan’s Netflix series, keep reading.

Meghan Markle shared in season two that she made husband Prince Harry and his friends custom baseball hats bearing “PH40″—his initials and age—in honor of his 40th birthday in September 2024.

While preparing for a girls’ getaway in Malibu with friend Heather Dorak, Meghan discussed the personal transformations she’s experienced since her twenties.

Upon first meeting, our bond was formed over shared passions for health and fitness,” she explained. “We used to go running together, and now we’re both mothers to two children each. Our husbands have also become close friends, making this friendship a beautiful journey to witness evolve over time.

The former Suits star went on to share how her thoughts about aging have evolved as well.

In her words, she noted that navigating personal growth is particularly significant during the 20s, while understanding oneself becomes clearer in the 30s. She further expressed that reaching one’s forties brings about a sense of fulfillment as individuals have grown more confident in their identities, as women, and with their bodies over time. It’s an exciting journey to witness how we mature and embrace ourselves more comfortably as we age.

Meghan remarked, as she observed her friends enjoying cookies and wine together, that they had entered a new phase or time in their lives.

Meghan admitted that it has been nearly two decades since she last saw her co-star from the show “Deal or No Deal”, but they rekindled their connection a few years back after she initiated contact with her.

When they finally got together in season two, the pair reminisced about old times on set. 

“I remember all having to stand in line,” Meghan recalled, “to get our lashes put on in a row.”

Despite not meeting since then, the Duchess of Sussex openly stated that she has been following Chrissy’s professional journey closely.

After I departed from that performance, approximately a year went by and then you became well-known,” Megan shared. “I exclaimed, ‘Wow, you’re on Sports Illustrated’s cover…’ You were so kind.

Following Meghan’s slip-up, where she called the Hawthorn flower “Honsworth,” Chrissy playfully suggested that perhaps the royal had accidentally disclosed the name of her hidden third child in jest.

As the Cravings cookbook author noted, “I was like, ‘You have a kid named Honsworth?'”

In response, Meghan playfully remarked, “You don’t know my child I’m talking about. By the way, if I had been able to keep a secret like that, truly impressive!

In season two, Harry was momentarily present alongside Meghan and Chef Clare Smyth, who orchestrated their 2018 wedding, during an episode. This was after Clare had flown to California specifically for this special episode. The trio took a photograph together which they labeled as “Surprise Visit!

Meghan, who is mother to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet together with Harry, referred to her “little darling boy” as the “most gentle, sweet, charming child ever.

“I always wanted to be a mom,” Meghan added. “I love it. It’s better than I even expected.”

Meghan had to face the music after her move from London to California.

In all honesty, what I dearly miss about the U.K., as I’ve shared with guest Tan France, is the radio station Magic. And yes, I might just become that fond grandmother who cherishes it deeply.

These days, she noted her playlists can range from soul to country music.

She mentioned that her preferred radio station in the car goes by the name ‘Mom Jeans.’ These songs take me back and are perfect for singing along to, as if I’ve never heard them before.

Cooking might be one of Meghan’s love languages, but her dishes don’t always turn out egg-celent. 

She shared, “I had cooked a chicken on the very night he asked me to marry him, that same dish we served at our wedding. I prepare it at least once every week. You know, when I made that roast chicken for my now-husband, I was grappling with converting temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit.

She admitted that the chicken she cooked that evening was absolutely dreadful, really disappointing indeed. In essence, even if one prepares a less-than-perfect meal, there’s always someone who appreciates the effort put into it.

During Clare’s show, she playfully noted that Harry teasingly refers to her as “very American” because she omits the ‘h’ sound in the word “herbs,” making it sound like it starts with a ‘y’ instead of an ‘h.’

The actress disclosed that she consulted with an Ayurvedic physician, a practitioner of an ancient Indian medicine system, during her pregnancy. However, she lamented to guest Samin Nosrat about having to consume “numerous” dates, expressing the number as “numerous.

Meghan Markle, known for her appreciation for jams, disclosed during the first season that her interest in preserving jams deepened after she and Prince Harry settled into their residence in Montecito, California.

In the second episode of “With Love, Meghan”, she mentioned as she gathered berries that these vines have been here since we moved in, which led to her passion for creating jams and preserves.

As for Meghan’s favorite preserve?

The Duchess of Sussex expressed her fondness for apple butter as it reminded her of a cherished family tradition handed down by her grandmother. She added that her children Archie and Lilinow will associate this with the comforting aroma of slow-cooked fruit filling their home after school, signaling that their mother was once again making preserves.

In fact, Meghan said Lili has even tried her hand at preserve-making.

In episode five, she mentioned that Lili and I had collaborated to make the batch of strawberry preserve, as she served some to us. Lili helped pick the berries with me, and when it was time to prepare the preserve, she volunteered eagerly, offering to stir and mash the mixture. She took care to ensure that hot liquids were kept at a safe distance while pouring them in. Afterward, Lili seemed proud of her contribution, which made me feel good about our collaboration.

However, it appears Harry, who made a cameo on season one, has some culinary skills too.

In episode five, Meghan delightfully expressed that her spouse, whom she affectionately calls by his nickname, is an exceptional cook, particularly skilled at preparing delicious breakfasts.

The duchess also offered some insight into how the Duke of Sussex likes to season his food.

Meghan shared in the second episode that her husband always adds salt to his food before even tasting it. Consequently, she mentioned that she intends to use less salt when preparing meals for him.

In terms of fashion, Meghan expressed a preference for the “high-low” approach, which means combining high-end, luxury items with more affordable, everyday pieces.

During the first season, the main actor from the show “Suits” revealed details about her outfit during an episode where she had a tea party with Mindy Kaling. She mentioned that she wore trousers from Zara, a top by Loro Piana, and a sweater by Jenni Kayne.

The show highlights Meghan’s passion for hosting, cooking, gardening, and decorating, but it also reveals some of her lesser-known interests as well.

For instance, in one episode, she hosted a game night for her friends.

She mentioned that over the past few months, they’ve all embarked on a shared journey to learn Mahjong. Originating in China during the 1800s, the version they play is known as American Mahjong. What she finds particularly enjoyable about Mahjong isn’t just the game itself, but the experience of learning something new with friends and witnessing how the game serves as a backdrop for growing friendships.

Previously, Tatcha’s founder, Vicky Tsai, mentioned that Meghan Markle enjoys playing pickleball, and it was the Duchess herself who shared some of her preferred music genres in a separate instance.

In episode five, Meghan shared, “I’m quite fond of ’70s soft rock, yacht rock, as well as soul tunes. Oh, and I enjoy some French music that sets a sophisticated mood for dinner parties too.

And when it come to food, she said she has a “very, very high tolerance” for spice.

Even though we weren’t wealthy when I was young, my mom was a travel agent which allowed us to explore various destinations and sample numerous cuisines. She often prepared gumbo and Soul food, which are rich in flavor and spice, and I still find myself yearning for that level of heat. Now, I’m sharing this love for bold flavors with my family as I introduce them to my culinary preferences.

In the second episode of its first season, Meghan reminisced about her childhood, which was filled with plenty of fast-food meals and TV trays as well.

As I reminisce, it’s as if time has shifted dramatically, but back then, the routine was ordinary – packed with microwavable children’s meals divided into neat compartments. That was my upbringing, spent engrossed in Jeopardy! and frequenting fast-food joints.

Her favorites at the time?

As a self-proclaimed food enthusiast, I must confess that my past dining habits revolved around fast-food joints, particularly Pollo Loco, Taco Bell, and Jack in the Box. My affection for these establishments led me to indulge frequently, especially appreciating the extra kick of their hot sauce on Taco Bell’s Mexican pizza. My mother’s tastebuds leaned towards Jack in the Box tacos, so they were a regular staple in our meals as well.

Additionally, Meghan didn’t limit her shared memories from her childhood to just those instances; she also recalled her experiences with the Girl Scouts.

As I eagerly reflected during the fourth episode, I’ve been a dedicated Girl Scout for quite some time now. My scouting journey began at the tender age of five or six, as a blossoming Daisy in Troop 949. With unwavering determination and my mom leading the way as our troop leader, I sold an impressive number of cookies that left quite an impression!

As a lifestyle advisor, I might say: In 2020, Harry and Meghan chose to step down from active roles within the royal family, yet they retained their honorary titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

And in With Love, Meghan, she explained why the Sussex name is so meaningful to her.

In the second episode, Meghan explained to Mindy that it’s amusing you still refer to her as Meghan Markle. However, she’s known as Sussex now. Just as you value your children’s names and say ‘I have kids,’ I didn’t realize how significant it would be for me, but saying ‘This is our family name, our small, intimate family name,’ holds great importance.

Speaking of Archie and Lili, Meghan offered a few insights into their world in the series.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I proudly share my passion for gardening with my little ones, who have developed quite the knack for it! They even have their own set of tools and approach tending to our green space with serious dedication. My daughter, in particular, has an affinity for all things pink, and you’ll often find her humming a tune as she helps me tidy up after our gardening sessions – her personal clean-up song!

In episode five, Meghan said, “Maintain tidiness along the way. Interestingly enough, Lili wrote a song about it, and the lyrics are, ‘Stay tidy, stay tidy, tidy, tidy, tidy as you go.’

Besides discussing topics, Meghan mentioned creating sun tea and going fishing with Archie, where he managed to catch a trout. Furthermore, she elaborated on her passion for cooking together with her kids.

In the fifth episode, she expressed that it’s deeply important to her for them to experience it and develop fond memories associated with her presence by saying, “It feels like such a significant part of what I want them to learn that they can say, ‘Mom used to make this.’

Long before she was an actress or a duchess, Meghan had her first job at an ice cream shop.

She recalled that she was thirteen years old, and her initial job was at Humphrey Yogart, as stated in episode five of With Love, Meghan.

Later on, Meghan helped make doughnuts.

In the third episode, she shared that the thought of doughnuts brings back memories of her childhood. She had previously worked at a small doughnut shop named Lil Orbits Donuts. Instead of selling traditional doughnut holes, they made and sold tiny miniature doughnuts at craft fairs. She was one of the workers there.

And when she was in college, Meghan worked at a bar in Chicago.

The graduate from Northwestern University expressed, in episode seven, that after studying two majors, she intended to move to Chicago and earn some additional income by working as a coat-check attendant. However, her friends suggested an alternative profession, telling her, ‘Oh dear, you can actually work as a cocktail waitress.’

In my role as a lifestyle guide, I’d rephrase that situation like this: “Initially taken aback by a complex martini request from a patron, I found myself being advised by my superior to return to my previous position as a coat-check attendant.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Meghan has shared experiences from her past, such as teaching gift-wrapping workshops, facilitating book-making sessions at Paper Source, and serving as a hostess at the restaurant Mirabelle located on Sunset Boulevard.

In the fourth installment, where Meghan organizes an event featuring Nacho Figueras’ spouse Delfina Blaquier, she reminisces about her experiences overseas.

In Argentina, I found myself deeply drawn to the place because it bore a striking resemblance to California in many aspects, with its scenic mountains and an infectious zest for life that comes from spending time outdoors. Despite my brief stay of just a few months working at the U.S. embassy, I fell head over heels for this vibrant nation.

As a connoisseur of all things chic and captivating, let me share a personal anecdote that resonates deeply with my passion for the arts. From 2011 to 2018, I graced the screen as Rachel Zane on Suits, a role that has left an indelible mark on both my career and life. However, one moment stands out above all others – the thrilling revelation that Toronto would be my new home for this enchanting opportunity. The city, with its vibrant energy and artistic spirit, proved to be the perfect setting for our cinematic journey.

In the second episode, she said, “I discovered it’s been chosen. It’s located in Toronto. Alright, what does that entail?” Here’s what I gather: One season in Toronto is impressive. If it’s two seasons, that’s even more amazing. But now, I wonder if my life will be relocated to this new location? Luckily, I have a fondness for Canada, and I’ve always aimed to bring the cast to my place or meet people at the dog park with their dogs there.

In fact, her costar Abigail Spencer appears in one of the With Love, Meghan episodes.

In January 2025, Meghan announced her beloved dog, Guy, passed away.

In the Netflix series, I was captivated by the lovable beagle who graced our screens on multiple occasions. Notably, I found myself sharing my affection for this furry friend with others, as I’ve publicly expressed my fondness for him.

In episode four, she declared, “I’d go to any lengths for Guy, and that’s no secret. He can take his pick because he transforms into whatever kind of man you need him to be each day-my loving companion, my jokester, my flirtatious charm, always my pampered one.

And he was always by her side.

She mentioned in episode five that ‘Guy’ is constantly by her side. She considers him like a shadow, accompanying her for an extremely long period. ‘Guy’ has been with her since she lived in Toronto; he was discovered in the woods of Kentucky and followed her to the U.K., back to Canada, and then California. So yes, ‘Guy’ certainly has many tales to share.

After the last episode of season one, Meghan remarked that the show is dedicated affectionately to Guy.

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2025-08-28 19:48