Duchess of Sussex aligns with long-standing royal naming customs
Amid debate over Meghan Markle’s decision to use “Sussex” as a surname, royal experts have clarified that the practice is in keeping with established royal tradition.
For generations, members of the Royal Family have adopted their titles as surnames, a naming convention that continues today.
Wendy Bosberry-Scott, editor of Debrett’s Peerage and Baronetage, explained:
"The official surname of the Royal Family is Mountbatten-Windsor. However, it has long been customary for royals and members of the peerage to adopt their title as a surname where applicable."
This is why Prince Harry was known as Harry Wales during his military service, reflecting his father’s then-title, Prince of Wales. Now, as Duke of Sussex, it is entirely appropriate for both him and Meghan to use Sussex as their surname.
The tradition extends across the royal family. Prince William and his children use Wales, while Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie previously adopted York after their father, the Duke of York. Meanwhile, the children of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh follow a different pattern, using the official family surname Mountbatten-Windsor.
With this historical precedent in place, experts confirm that Meghan and Harry’s choice of surname is fully aligned with royal protocol—disproving any claims that it is a break from tradition.
