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How Meghan wants to be known now she's not a working royal

Photo credit: Chris Jackson - Getty Images
Photo credit: Chris Jackson - Getty Images

From Cosmopolitan

Over the past few years, Meghan Markle has been addressed in a number of different ways. She went from being 'Ms. Meghan Markle' before marrying Prince Harry, to becoming 'the Duchess of Sussex' - which, in turn, brought the variations of 'Duchess Meghan', and 'Your Royal Highness'.

But after she and Harry stepped down as a senior working royal earlier this year, how does Meghan want to be known? Well, it seems the former actress is happy to be referred to as the Duchess of Sussex still, but she's also clearly keen to bring her maiden name back.

This week, the Duchess made an appearance via video call at the UN's Girl Up leadership summit. During her powerful 10 minute speech, the 38-year-old urged young women to put aside negativity and focus on 'building each other up', while challenging world leaders over racial injustice and gender inequality.

As mother-of-one Meghan appeared on screen, a credit popped up to introduce her. It read "The Duchess of Sussex" on the top line, with her full name, "Meghan Markle" written underneath. This is telling, suggesting that Meghan perhaps welcomes the use of her maiden name 'Markle' once again.

When Archie was born, and the decision was made not to give him a royal title, he was instead was given the royal surname 'Mountbatten-Windsor' (which Harry would have if he wasn't a Prince or a Duke). This makes it clear that, not only is Meghan is sticking with her maiden name as opposed to assuming the same one as her son, but it also suggests she's keen for people to use 'Markle' again in reference to her.

As this is one of the first public jobs Meghan Markle has taken since stepping back from royal family, the fact she has chosen to have the 'Markle' included in her introduction is perhaps an indicator of the way forward. It's the first time she's been formally addressed as 'Meghan Markle' alongside her Duchess title, and so it's possible this will continue in future.

Upon their departure from the frontline of the royal family, it was agreed that Meghan and Harry would no longer be given 'HRH' status. In a statement confirming the plan of action, Buckingham Palace said: "The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family."

Photo credit: WPA Pool - Getty Images
Photo credit: WPA Pool - Getty Images

However, they have still retained the titles of 'Duke and Duchess of Sussex' and continue to use them, because - working royals or not - those are the titles they have and that's who they are. But alongside the Duke and Duchess titles, the Sussexes made it clear early on that they wanted to be known more casually. In their final @SussexRoyal Instagram post, the pair signed off their note simply as 'Harry and Meghan'.

"Thank you to this community - for the support, the inspiration and the shared commitment to the good in the world. We look forward to reconnecting with you soon. You’ve been great! Until then, please take good care of yourselves, and of one another. Harry and Meghan," they wrote.

So, Meghan/Meghan Markle it is!

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