In 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the decision to step back from their official royal duties. Since then, there has been ongoing confusion regarding the appropriate way to address them.
Recently, Scott Moore, the CEO of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, shared an unexpected directive on how to address Meghan Markle. Instead of the traditional formalities for former senior Royals, he was advised to simply use ‘Ma’am’ for Meghan and ‘Sir’ for the Duke of Sussex.
Traditionally, male members of the Royal Family are initially addressed as ‘Your Royal Highness’ and then ‘Sir’, while female members are referred to as ‘Your Royal Highness’ and then ‘Ma’am’. However, following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back from senior royal duties in 2020, they lost their HRH titles and cannot be addressed as such. Despite this, they still retain their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
Interestingly, Prince Harry’s current preference for formal titles like ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am’ for Meghan contrasts with his prior stance of informality. At a tourism conference in Edinburgh in 2020, Harry specifically requested to be called ‘Harry’ only.
Their children, five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilibet, have adopted the surname ‘Sussex’ instead of the traditional Mountbatten-Windsor, a departure from a royal naming convention established in 1960.
In a recent interview, Harry expressed no regrets about sharing details of his family in his autobiography, Spare. He emphasized that his conscience is clear and reiterated his love for the UK, dispelling rumors of unhappiness in his life perpetuated by certain sections of the press.
Harry emphasized that he is content with his life and refuted claims of misery, stating that some elements of the British media falsely portray his emotions. He affirmed his happiness with his identity and lifestyle.