Understanding Titles for Women Who Marry Royalty: The Case of Meghan Markle

When a woman marries into royalty, the intricacies of the royal titles and protocol can often become quite complex. The case of Meghan Markle, an accomplished actor and television producer who married Prince Harry in 2018, is a prime example. In this article, we will explore how royal titles work for Meghan Markle and other women who marry into the royal family. We will also delve into the specifics of Meghan's royal titles and the rules governing their change and loss.

The Titles When Married into Royalty

The title and name of a woman who marries into the royal family are often intertwined with the titles of her new husband and the house of which he is a part. This was the case for Meghan Markle, who married Prince Harry, a member of the House of Windsor. When she became Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, she adopted the title and associated honors that come with this aristocratic position.

One of the key points to remember about royal titles is that they are not automatically inherited by a royal wife. Instead, they are defined by the position she marries into. For example, Meghan Markle's title would not be "Queen," "Prince," or even "Duchess of Windsor," as her marriage lacks a certain lineage or victory that would usually confer such a grandiose title. However, she is granted a feminine version of her husband's own titles, ensuring that she is still distinguished and recognized within the royal hierarchy.

Changes and Loss of Titles

The management of titles in the royal family is a delicate art. For Meghan Markle, if she and Prince Harry were to separate, her titles would remain intact, but the word "the" would be removed from her title. This removal of the word "the" signifies that she is no longer being referred to as a consort of the monarch, maintaining her lightweight version of the title.

If tragedy struck and Prince Harry were to pass away, the word "the" would similarly be removed from her title. However, in this event, she would adopt the title of a Dowager Duchess. A Dowager Duchess, also known as a Dowager Countess in this context, is a title given to the widow of a peer. It is important to note that while her title would change, she would not inherit the title of Queen, as that is reserved for her husband's mother or the wife of a reigning monarch in the case of Crown Marriage.

The Case of Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle's situation is interesting for a few reasons. On the one hand, she chose to keep her last name, "Markle," as a surname, rather than taking on the traditional name of Windsor. This decision was made with strategic intent, balancing her American identity and her royal roles. By choosing the name "Mountbatten-Windsor" as her husband's surname, she was giving her royal titles a bit more weight, while still asserting her independent identity.

Additionally, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that they would be using the style name Mountbatten-Windsor for their family. This decision was made with the intent to honor both the Windsor and Mountbatten lineage, a throwback to the royal family's heritage. Prince Harry has also stated that he and his family will proudly maintain this style, ensuring both the Windsor and Mountbatten traditions are remembered and respected.

Conclusion

The rules and nuances surrounding the titles of women who marry into the royal family are complex and multifaceted. For Meghan Markle, her titles represent not only her connection to the House of Windsor but also her American heritage. The intricacies of these titles and the associated protocols provide a fascinating look into the inner workings of the royal family and the careful balance between tradition and modernity.

While these rules can seem overwhelming, they are integral to the functioning of the royal family and ensure that tradition and lineage are maintained. Whether Meghan Markle remains a part of the royal family or moves on to a new chapter, her titles and role in the royal hierarchy will continue to be a subject of interest and discussion.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the complexities of titles for royal wives, particularly Sean's experience with Meghan Markle, comes down to recognizing the delicate balance of tradition and modernity. It is a reminder that while the royal family is steeped in history, it also seeks to adapt and evolve in a way that honors its past and engages with its present and future.