Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, married Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, in a highly anticipated royal wedding that captivated the world in 2018. The marriage between an American actress and a member of the British royal family was hailed as a significant step towards modernizing the monarchy. However, amidst the excitement and public scrutiny, a question that frequently arose was whether Meghan Markle became a princess through her marriage to Prince Harry.
To understand Meghan's royal title, it is crucial to delve into the intricacies of the British royal hierarchy. Traditionally, the title of "princess" is reserved for women who are born into the royal family or who marry a prince. For instance, Princess Anne and Princess Beatrice inherited their titles through birth, while Princess Diana and Princess Kate Middleton became princesses through their marriages to Prince Charles and Prince William, respectively.
Meghan Markle, on the other hand, did not automatically receive the title of "princess" upon marrying Prince Harry. Instead, she became known as the Duchess of Sussex, as the British monarchy operates primarily through dukedoms and duchies. The title of "duchess" denotes the wife of a duke, and in this case, Meghan Markle assumed the title due to Prince Harry being granted the dukedom of Sussex by Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day.
While Meghan did not possess the formal title of "princess," she was often referred to as "Princess Meghan" by the media and the general public. This informal usage stems from the fact that she married a prince and became a member of the royal family. The media's tendency to use the title "princess" in reference to Meghan Markle was a reflection of her prominent role within the monarchy and the public fascination surrounding her.
It is essential to note that the formal title of "princess" has specific criteria within the British royal family. The daughters of a reigning monarch are automatically styled as princesses, such as Princess Anne and Princess Beatrice. Likewise, the wives of sons and grandsons of a reigning monarch also receive the title, such as Princess Diana and Princess Kate Middleton. Since Prince Harry is the son of Prince Charles, who is the heir to the British throne, Meghan Markle did not meet the criteria for the formal title of "princess."
It is worth mentioning that Meghan Markle's royal journey diverged from the traditional path in several ways. Before marrying Prince Harry, she was a successful actress, philanthropist, and activist. As a biracial woman, her entry into the British royal family was seen as a significant step towards diversity and inclusivity. Meghan's impact on the monarchy extended beyond her title, as she used her platform to promote charitable causes and advocate for social issues.
Despite not being formally titled a princess, Meghan Markle's marriage to Prince Harry undoubtedly elevated her status and brought her immense global attention. The fascination surrounding her royal journey and her subsequent departure from official royal duties, popularly known as "Megxit," garnered significant media coverage and ignited public debates. These discussions often centered around Meghan's treatment by the British tabloids, her experiences of racism, and her strained relationship with the royal family.
While Meghan Markle did not hold the formal title of "princess" after marrying Prince Harry, her role within the British royal family and the public consciousness cannot be understated. She assumed the title of Duchess of Sussex and became an influential figure in her own right. Meghan's marriage to Prince Harry represented a departure from tradition and brought discussions of race, diversity, and inclusivity to the forefront of the royal narrative. Whether or not she was a princess by title, Meghan Markle's impact on the monarchy and her efforts to effect change have left an indelible mark on the institution.
