Meghan Markle has made a highly anticipated return to Instagram, but there’s a compelling twist in how she presents herself on her new account.
Instead of styling her name as “Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex,” she opts for “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.” While this subtle difference may seem trivial, it carries significant implications within the realm of royal protocol. Let’s break down why this small omission speaks volumes. Consider the precedent set in the 1990s. After her divorce from Prince Charles, Princess Diana’s title transitioned from “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales” to simply “Diana, Princess of Wales.”
The same adjustment occurred with Sarah Ferguson, who became “Sarah, Duchess of York” following her split from Prince Andrew, shedding the “Her Royal Highness” designation. The absence of the definitive article “the” is a clear, traditional marker of divorce in royal circles.
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing. When the American Riviera Orchard account was launched last year, Meghan’s title appeared as “Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex”—a choice that adhered to royal conventions. This indicates that Meghan, or at least her team, is well aware of the proper styling of her title. The deliberate shift on her new Instagram account is unlikely to be a mere oversight. In fact, when the account first appeared, it simply listed her as “Meghan.” Later, “Duchess of Sussex” was appended, still without the all-important “the.”
Having covered royal affairs for years, I can assure you that no detail regarding titles is accidental. Every stylistic choice, from punctuation to phrasing, carries weight. Compare Meghan’s approach to that of Catherine, Princess of Wales, who has consistently adhered to royal naming conventions. The contrast between their styles reveals a great deal about their respective views on royal tradition and responsibility.
This new title styling fits into a broader narrative. Prince Harry has been making solo public appearances, while Meghan is launching independent ventures. The pieces are beginning to align, suggesting a carefully constructed strategy. The timing of her Instagram comeback also coincides with the announcement of her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Notably, Harry is absent from both the title and the project’s promotional materials, hinting at Meghan’s evolving, independent brand.
Meghan’s media savvy is well-documented. Before marrying Harry, she successfully managed a lifestyle blog and cultivated a polished social media presence. Given her experience, this shift in how she styles her royal title raises questions. Is it a calculated move, or did she genuinely overlook such a fundamental aspect of royal protocol?
In recent public appearances, Harry has seemed increasingly isolated, while Meghan’s focus on building a solo identity grows more apparent. The Instagram title choice might well be a subtle prelude to her post-Harry brand. Her meticulous attention to public image, dating back to her pre-royal days, suggests that every action is deliberate. The echoes of title usage by divorced royal women are unlikely to be coincidental.
Let’s also reflect on Meghan’s prior social media presence. The American Riviera Orchard account adhered to proper formalities, proving that she—or her team—understands protocol. So why abandon that precision now? What message is being conveyed?
The timing of this shift is particularly fascinating. As Catherine champions her groundbreaking work in early childhood development, Meghan’s Instagram reemergence and Netflix announcement position her firmly in the spotlight. The divergent approaches of these two women highlight contrasting priorities and attitudes toward public life.
Meghan’s history shows a keen interest in titles and status. Reports suggest she insisted on using her duchess title for commercial projects like her children’s books. Given her previous insistence on correct usage, this new casual approach feels intentional. It may be a carefully orchestrated transition reminiscent of the evolutions seen with Diana and Sarah Ferguson, where subtle title changes prefaced major announcements.
Royal observers are paying close attention. Many agree that someone as media-savvy as Meghan is unlikely to commit an accidental breach of protocol. For newcomers to royal watching, this focus on a missing “the” might seem exaggerated, but seasoned followers know that such details often signal profound shifts.
In the coming months, it will be vital to watch how Meghan’s branding evolves. Will Harry become more visible in her projects? Will the title styling be corrected, or is this truly the dawn of a new chapter for the Sussexes? Whatever the outcome, this small yet powerful change has already ignited widespread speculation—and in the world of royalty, no move is ever without meaning.
