Meghan Markle Ditches Royal Protocol, Insists On Using Maiden Name

Meghan Markle is apparently down to use her maiden name in new media appearances. For the first time since stepping back from her royal duties and exiting The Firm, Meghan used the last name “Markle” when she was recently introduced at the Girl Up Leadership Summit. According to multiple reports, Meghan the Summit credited her as “The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle” on the event’s Youtube replay.

As many know, Meghan’s been known simply as “Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex” since her marriage to Prince Harry. According to tradition, British Royals don’t go by a particular surname but rather by their various royal titles. As everyone knows by now, however, both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have evidently left many traditions behind them. Some believe that since Queen Elizabeth forbade Prince Harry and Meghan from using the word “Royal” in any of their personal brandings, the only thing Meghan actually has left is her maiden name. After all, Meghan was already a little famous before she met and married Prince Harry, and “Meghan Markle” was her brand.

Since moving back to the United States, it’s been thought that Meghan would likely attempt to get back into the entertainment industry. This is particularly true since she and Harry ostensibly wanted to step back from Buckingham Palace in order to become financially independent from the Crown. To do that, Meghan needs an income (and so does Harry). Meghan was seen taking meetings with Hollywood producers, film directors, casting and talent agents, and more, but to date, there haven’t been reports of any film or television gigs headed her way.

When and if they do, most believe that Meghan will want to appear in the credits as she did formerly. That’s despite the fact that when she did a small voice over project for Disney just before she stepped down as a senior member of the Royal Family, she was billed as “Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.”

Moreover, Meghan Markle’s been getting tons of press lately in connection with various political issues. If Meghan truly wishes to get involved in politics, some believe she’ll have to resort to using her maiden name anyway since it’s against tradition for British Royals to engage in partisan activities. If Meghan uses her royal titles at political events, she could theoretically cause a lot of problems for Buckingham Palace.

The move to use her maiden name has caused some to believe that this is just another small step in a series of many wherein Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are distancing themselves from the British monarchy. The Duke and Duchess stepped back from their royal duties in a bid to become more independent from the Crown in a process that has since become known as “Megxit.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle no longer receive money from their former salaries as senior royals, but they continue to be financially supported by Prince Charles’s Duchy of Cornwall. Meghan and Harry quickly left the U.K. for Vancouver Island in Canada, and then swiftly made a move to California where they’ve taken up residence in an $18 Million palatial estate owned by Meghan’s friend, Tyler Perry.