The moment blushing bride Kate Middleton married her charming Prince William, the duo were reintroduced into the world as The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
And now, the exciting moment has come for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to debut their new moniker.
Here’s a breakdown of what Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s titles will be following the nuptials.
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Hear ye, hear ye: Introducing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex!
As announced by the Palace!
What is Meghan Markle’s royal title now that she is married to Prince Harry?
Meghan Markle will officially become Her Royal Highness Princess Henry of Wales.
It is customary for someone marrying into the royal family to take on their partner’s name.
While Meghan was born Rachel Meghan Markle, it is expected she’ll still be addressed publicly as Meghan – though don’t ever expect to hear her be called Princess Meghan.
The Palace confirmed together, the couple will formally be known as: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel.
The statement from Buckingham Palace reads: “The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince Henry of Wales. His titles will be Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel.”
“Prince Harry thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, and Ms. Meghan Markle on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex.”
Why hello Duke and Duchess of Sussex!
The origins of Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel
While it has been around for centuries, the Palace revealed that the Dukedom of Sussex was created in 1801.
It originated from Prince Augustus Frederick, who was the first person to add royal association to the title.
As for the Earldom – which is used in Scotland – Dumbarton is based on the north bank of the River Clyde and has been a royal burgh since 1222.
While this is the first time Kilkeel has been granted a royal title.
The Palace explained the choice behind giving Harry the Baron of Kilkeel – which is used in Ireland and located in the County of Down – is because all Baronies have been taken.
The Earldom title is used in Scotland while Harry’s title of Baron is used in Ireland.
Why won’t she be called Princess Meghan?
The rules around the British Crown dictate that only those who are born into the royal family can use the title Prince or Princess, followed by their first name.
What about Princess Diana?
Diana was given the title of “Princess” as a courtesy.
Prince Harry’s mother was an exception to the rule.
Diana received the title Princess of Wales as a courtesy for being the wife of Charles, The Prince of Wales.
It should be noted that she was never addressed as Princess Diana formally.
What title will Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s kids have?
Looking at Harry’s family, history dictates that their children will not be a prince or princess, rather they will be a lord or lady.
But at the end of the day, Queen Elizabeth can make the decision to bestow the children with prince or princess titles.
We saw her make some tweaks with the rules for her grandson Prince William’s children.
At the end of the day, Her Majesty can tweak the rules to suit her grandson!
In line with what the Crown dictates, Wills and Kate’s eldest should be HRH Prince George, while young Charlotte should have been Lady Charlotte Mountbatten-Windsor.
But in 2012, Her Majesty decided there needed to be a change.
Now the ruling states that, “all the children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales should have and enjoy the style, title and attribute of royal highness with the titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their Christian names or with such other titles of honour.”
It wouldn’t be surprising if she does the same thing for her dear grandson Prince Harry and his future offspring.
