Duchess of Sussex chooses fairytale title over formal royal designation

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has recently shown a preference for identifying as a “real-life princess” rather than by her formal title. Despite marrying into the British Royal Family in 2018 and stepping back from official royal duties in 2020, Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, have retained their noble titles while relocating to Montecito, California. This move to embrace the princess persona reflects Meghan’s connection to the fairy-tale aspect of royalty, resonating with her young fans and those inspired by her journey.

In a revealing 2022 interview with The Cut, Meghan shared insights into her royal identity, highlighting the impact of the fairy-tale narrative on young admirers. She emphasized her role as a source of inspiration, encouraging others to find love, happiness, and overcome obstacles, beyond the traditional fairy-tale ending of marrying a prince. This stance marks a departure from typical royal title conventions, where marrying into the family often results in a “Princess Consort” title, as seen with other members of the Royal Family.

Furthermore, Meghan’s efforts to build the Sussex brand and expand into lifestyle and cookery ventures showcase her entrepreneurial spirit. Her recent launch of American Riviera Orchard on Instagram, anticipated to feature in a new Netflix cooking show, underscores her commitment to leveraging her platform for broader creative and business endeavours. With a focus on home decor, lifestyle products, and potentially a cookery book, Meghan is carving out a unique space within the lifestyle sector, mirroring strategies employed by other celebrity lifestyle brands.

The Sussexes’ $20 million Netflix deal highlights their shift towards media and content production, emphasizing their ongoing influence despite their royal departure. As contracts are up for renewal in 2025, the couple’s strategic moves in the entertainment and lifestyle spheres will continue to attract attention and shape their public personas.