Meghan Markle angers people of Sussex. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has sparked fresh controversy after insisting that “Sussex” is now her surname. The claim, made during her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, has not sat well with residents of Sussex, many of whom feel that she has not earned the right to use the title due to her limited engagement with the county.
Meghan’s Controversial Statement
During an episode of her cooking show with guest Mindy Kaling, Meghan corrected the actress, saying:
“It’s so funny that you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now.”
This statement immediately drew criticism from locals who feel disconnected from the Duchess. Residents argue that while she may legally hold the title, her lack of presence and involvement in the community makes it inappropriate for her to claim Sussex as her family name.
Sussex Locals Speak Out
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the county only once, back in October 2018. Their six-hour tour included stops in Brighton, Chichester, Peacehaven, and Bognor. Since then, the couple has not returned, leading many residents to express frustration.
Jeff Hall, 56, from Lewes, told the Daily Mail:
“I’m sure the Sussex title is valuable, and of course she has the right to use it. But if she wants to represent Sussex, then she should come here more often. One visit in eight years isn’t enough.”
His brother Colin, a fruit seller, echoed the sentiment:
“If she’s going to claim the title, she should be more connected with the county. Why not get involved in a children’s charity or some other local cause?”
Another resident, Bryan Jenkins, 72, was even more blunt:
“She can call herself whatever she wants, but suggesting she has a true connection to Sussex is nonsense.”
Meghan’s Perspective
Despite the criticism, Meghan explained during the show why the Sussex name means so much to her family.
“I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me, but it means so much to say ‘This is our family name. Our little family name,’” she said.
Actress Mindy Kaling responded positively, saying she admired the sentiment:
“Well, now I know, and I love it.”
Royal Experts Weigh In
Royal insiders, however, see Meghan’s insistence on using the Sussex name as a pointed message to the Royal Family. Some sources suggest it may have been a “warning shot,” especially amid speculation that King Charles could strip Prince Harry and Meghan of their titles if they continue to release explosive interviews or memoirs about the monarchy.
Growing Tension Around Royal Titles
The debate over Meghan and Harry’s royal titles has been ongoing since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. While they continue to use the titles Duke and Duchess of Sussex, critics argue that their lack of connection to the region makes their usage questionable.
For many residents, Meghan’s words have reignited the debate about whether she and Harry should be allowed to hold onto their prestigious titles without fulfilling traditional royal responsibilities.
✅ SEO Keywords to Include Naturally:
-
Meghan Markle Sussex surname
-
Duchess of Sussex controversy
-
Meghan Markle Netflix show With Love, Meghan
-
Prince Harry and Meghan titles
-
Sussex locals reaction
-
Meghan Markle Faces Backlash Over “Sussex” Surname Claim from Local ResidentsRoyal Family tensions