Meghan Markle has ignited fresh controversy following reports of her insistence on being addressed as the Duchess of Sussex during private interviews. According to a recent article by Kaitlyn Greenidge for Harper’s Bazaar, this insistence highlights her ongoing connection to royal status, despite previously expressing that such recognition brought her personal distress.
During a recent interview in Manhattan, a staff member introduced Markle with the formal title, creating what Greenidge described as an awkward situation, given that only the two were present. A similar introduction occurred earlier in Los Angeles, where Markle was announced as “The Duchess of Sussex” upon arriving in a golf cart.
Royal Experts Weigh In
British broadcaster Helena Chard commented on the situation, stating, “This is not protocol, let alone royal protocol.” She suggested that Markle attaches significant importance to her title, which continues to serve her business interests, particularly in the United States. “It gets people talking and keeps her in the limelight,” Chard noted.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich added that the orchestrated introductions seemed deliberate, describing the use of her title as “beyond pretentious” and “hypocritical at best.” The interview also featured moments designed to capture attention, such as a cappuccino decorated with Markle’s face, which led her to reminisce about a trip to South Africa.
Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator, emphasized that while her title is appropriate in formal or charitable settings, it should not be used in private meetings, where protocol dictates that the reporter should not announce the duchess.
Controversies Surrounding Title Usage
The discourse surrounding Markle’s title resurfaced earlier this year when she sent entrepreneur Jamie Kern Lima a gift basket signed “HRH Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.” While her team defended the gesture as a private gift, critics argued that it crossed a line, particularly since the basket included products from her business ventures.
Markle became the Duchess of Sussex upon her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. The couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and has since been vocal about their challenges in various media appearances, including Harry’s memoir, “Spare.” Although they retain their titles, they agreed not to use the HRH styling or leverage “Sussex Royal” for commercial purposes.
Despite this agreement, royal observers contend that Markle is testing the boundaries of acceptable title usage. Kinsey Schofield, host of “Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered,” stated that Markle is “walking a fine line by flaunting her title commercially.” She added that Prince Harry also benefits from his royal name when participating in paid events.
As this situation unfolds, experts warn that any suggestion of “cash for access” could seriously damage the monarchy’s reputation. Chard believes that Markle will continue to embrace the visibility her royal status provides, stating, “Meghan loves the pomp, sparkle, and drama.”
As the debate over her title usage continues, it seems likely that this will not be the last time Markle’s royal connections attract media attention.
