Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is once again at the center of royal controversy after a well-known royal expert criticized her for allegedly refusing to let go of her royal identity despite stepping back from the monarchy in 2020.
Writing for The Sun, royal commentator Jennie Bond advised the Duchess to embrace her current life and move beyond the trappings of royalty. “You are an independent woman with a husband who adores you,” Bond wrote. “Just because he’s a prince doesn’t mean you have to hang on to the idea of being a princess.”
Bond’s comments come in response to Meghan’s recent public appearances and branding choices that have reignited discussion about her royal title. In a new Netflix show titled With Love, Meghan, the Duchess, introduced herself not as Meghan Markle, but as “Meghan Sussex” during a conversation with actress and writer Mindy Kaling.
Adding fuel to the debate, Meghan appeared on The Jamie Kern Lima Show, where host Jamie Kern Lima proudly showcased a gift basket she received from the Duchess. The basket included homemade strawberry sauce and ice cream, along with a personalized card signed, “With Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.”
The use of the title “Her Royal Highness” has sparked criticism, especially since Meghan and Prince Harry agreed to stop using their HRH styles after their departure from royal duties in 2020. While they technically retain the titles, they no longer actively use them in an official capacity per the agreement with Buckingham Palace.
“You tried being part of the Royal Family and hated it,” Bond continued in her commentary. “Time to move on, which, I think, is what this is all about.” The former actress and her husband, Prince Harry, have built a new life in the United States, focusing on media ventures, philanthropy, and advocacy work. However, their ties to the Royal Family and Meghan’s references to her former role—continue to attract media scrutiny and divided public opinion.
While some fans see Meghan’s choices as a celebration of her unique journey and personal branding, critics argue that continuing to use royal titles contradicts her and Harry’s stated desire for a more private, independent life. As the Duchess navigates life outside the monarchy, the debate over how much of her royal past she should carry into her present continues to spark headlines.