Meghan Markle's legal name now that she is married is Rachel Meghan Markle. Born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, Meghan Markle gained international recognition as an American actress before her marriage to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, on May 19, 2018. However, upon marrying into the British royal family, she adopted the title of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex and was commonly referred to as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
Prior to her marriage, Meghan's full legal name was Rachel Meghan Markle. The name Rachel is her given first name, while Meghan is her middle name. She decided to use her middle name professionally throughout her acting career, and it became the name by which she was widely known. Meghan embarked on her acting journey and rose to prominence for her portrayal of Rachel Zane in the television series "Suits," which aired from 2011 to 2018.
When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, the couple's wedding ceremony took place at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in the United Kingdom. As is customary, Meghan took on a new title and adopted her husband's royal status. She became the Duchess of Sussex, and her full title became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. With her marriage, Meghan's name changed in the public eye, and she was officially recognized as Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
It's important to note that the name change primarily pertains to Meghan's title and public address. Legally, she still retains her birth name, Rachel Meghan Markle. This means that for official documents, legal matters, and private use, her legal name remains unchanged. It is not uncommon for individuals to adopt different names or titles based on their personal or professional circumstances, and Meghan Markle's case is no exception.
Since her marriage, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been an active public figure, championing various causes and initiatives. Together with Prince Harry, she has been involved in philanthropy, supporting organizations and campaigns focused on mental health, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. The couple's dedication to social issues has been demonstrated through their foundation, Archewell, which aims to drive positive change and create a more compassionate world.
In early 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their decision to step back as senior members of the British royal family, seeking financial independence and a more private lifestyle. This decision, commonly referred to as "Megxit," sparked significant media attention and public discussions. Subsequently, the couple relocated to North America and established a new life away from the intense scrutiny of the British tabloids.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding their departure from royal duties, Meghan and Harry have continued to make headlines, with Meghan using her platform to share her experiences and advocate for change. In various interviews and public appearances, she has spoken about issues related to mental health, racial inequality, and the impact of media intrusion on personal well-being.
Meghan Markle's legal name now that she is married is Rachel Meghan Markle. While she adopted the title of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, upon marrying Prince Harry, her birth name remains unchanged from a legal perspective. Throughout her career as an actress and later as a public figure, she primarily used her middle name, Meghan, professionally. However, her official title and public address shifted to reflect her new role as a member of the British royal family. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has since been actively engaged in philanthropy and advocacy work, using her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change in various areas of society.