Drew Barrymore, the beloved Hollywood star, recently mentioned Meghan Markle on her show in a very deliberate way, referring to her by her royal surname, Sussex.
This choice of words is worth analyzing, especially in light of Meghan’s own insistence on being addressed in a certain way. When Mindy Kaling repeatedly referred to her as Meghan Markle—the name everyone knew her by before she strategically married into royalty—Meghan quickly corrected her. It’s a classic example of her behavior, subtly reminding the world of her royal status, almost as if she fears people might forget that she married a prince.
In contrast, consider Catherine, the Princess of Wales. Have you ever heard her correct someone on how to address her? Of course not. That’s because she understands grace and dignity on a fundamental level and embodies these qualities effortlessly. Meghan has stated that sharing the Sussex name with her children is deeply meaningful, emphasizing that it unites their family. There’s nothing unusual about wanting a shared family name; that’s completely normal. However, the way Meghan selectively uses her royal title for branding and recognition is remarkably transparent. When it suits her, she is Sussex, but when it’s time to critique the monarchy or portray herself as a victim, the royal connection suddenly becomes a burden.
It’s worth recalling that Meghan and Harry stepped away from their royal duties under the pretense of seeking privacy and a normal life. Yet, nothing contradicts that desire more than continuously reminding everyone of her duchess status. What we’re witnessing is a carefully managed public image, controlled in real time. Drew Barrymore even alluded to this dynamic by suggesting that people feel like they must tread carefully around Meghan. In contrast, King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Catherine consistently prioritize duty over ego. They don’t need to correct people on their titles because they are secure in who they are and what they represent.
During her conversation with Drew Barrymore, Meghan also spoke about how lucky she feels to be married to Harry, emphasizing that he has promised to always "date" her. She went on about how they maintain the "butterfly" phase of their relationship, almost as if she is trying to convince the world—and perhaps herself—that everything is perfect. Meanwhile, William and Catherine don’t need to constantly declare the strength of their marriage. Their actions, their unity, and their unwavering dedication to their roles speak for themselves. They exemplify true partnership through support and commitment, rather than public affirmations.
The most unfortunate part of all this is how Harry, once the beloved and charismatic prince, has seemingly been reduced to a supporting role in Meghan’s carefully curated narrative. He now appears entirely under her influence. If we are being honest, this latest insistence on being called "Sussex" is just another example of Meghan’s obsession with status and recognition, despite claiming that her royal connections were a source of great suffering. There was a time when Harry and Meghan could have been a tremendous asset to the monarchy, had they chosen duty over personal ambition. They had the potential to use their platform for genuine positive change. Instead, they opted for commercial deals, tell-all interviews, and an ongoing cycle of attention-seeking. Rather than supporting the institution they once belonged to, they leveraged their royal ties for Netflix deals, book contracts, and publicity. And now, we see Meghan correcting people on what to call her—yet another move in the ongoing strategy of image control.
Was Drew Barrymore right to preemptively use "Sussex" to avoid being corrected? Is Meghan justified in wanting to be addressed by her title, or is this just another example of her need to control the narrative? Share your thoughts in the comments.
