During a recent gathering related to the Invictus Games, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made it clear that she prefers to be addressed as “Ma’am.” Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, are in Vancouver, Canada, engaging in activities and preparations for the next edition of the Invictus Games, set to be held in the city.
Royal correspondent Richard Eden, writing for the Daily Mail, shared an interesting anecdote about the formalities of addressing the royal couple. Scott Moore, who has recently taken up the role of CEO for the Invictus Games, an event dedicated to wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and veterans, sought guidance on how to properly address Prince Harry and Meghan during their visit. “I made it a point to inquire about the appropriate way to address them upon their arrival. The response was straightforward: ‘Sir’ and ‘Ma’am’ would suffice,” Moore shared with Eden.
This preference for formal titles aligns with the traditional protocol for addressing members of the British royal family, where individuals outside the family are advised to use ‘Your Royal Highness’ upon first meeting, followed by ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am.’ However, it’s noteworthy that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relinquished their formal use of ‘Your Royal Highness’ titles following their decision to step back as senior members of the royal family in 2020.
The couple has recently been at the center of discussions following the launch of their new website, Sussex.com. This move, coupled with their decision to use ‘Sussex’ as a surname for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, has sparked debates and commentary, especially after these developments were disclosed in an interview with The Times of London post-King Charles’ coronation.
The use of ‘Sussex’ in both their professional and personal lives continues to draw attention and generate conversation about their ongoing relationship with the royal family and their identities within the public sphere.
