Meghan Markle Got a New Nickname During Her NYC Visit
Please allow us to introduce...Madame Duchess!

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are in New York City this week, attending the Global Citizen Live event in Central Park on Saturday (here’s how to watch). As the first big, public outing for the couple since they left their official royal duties behind, nearly event moment of their trip has been covered by the press. Already, we have seen Meghan wear a selection of chic, albeit unseasonably warm coats (it’s 80 degrees, how?!), Prince Harry tote an adorably monogrammed briefcase, and now, we have seen the birth of a new nickname for Meghan. That’s a lot of ground covered in just a couple days!
Now, if you are even a casual royal watcher, you may raise some hackles at the news that Meghan has been given a new nickname. The couple themselves have spoken out about their awful treatment by the press, and the racism that underlies so much of the coverage surrounding them, and names like "Megxit"—the term used to describe the pair's departure from England—was not exactly kind-spirited.
But good news: This new nickname isn’t mean, it’s just cute!
According to Express, it all started when a reporter asked Meghan, “Madame Duchess, are you enjoying your time in New York?” To which Meghan replied, “It’s wonderful to be back, thank you.” And Madame Duchess—no doubt the result of our collective inability as Americans to remember exactly which titles everyone in the royal family is supposed to have—was born.
Watch the video closely to see Harry turn to Meghan and appear to smile at her while repeating, "Madame Duchess":
Twitter took to the nickname like a duck to Central Park water, of course:
I think you mean Madame Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle… pic.twitter.com/aim24lGb6cSeptember 23, 2021
Madame Duchess and sir Duke . I salute you pic.twitter.com/a4pOEESu2rSeptember 23, 2021
Madame Duchess. That’s it that’s the tweet pic.twitter.com/6gLi5PnZsWSeptember 23, 2021
So that’s that, then: From here on out, Madame Duchess Meghan Markle is our American royal. Welcome home, Madame Duchess!
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Related Stories
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Sofia Richie Grainge Styles Zebra Pants With Flip-Flops
Next stop on the tour: her elegant wedding venue in the South of France.
-
Gigi Hadid Pairs Metallic Track Pants and Mesh Flats
The controversial shoe trend is most definitely gaining steam.
-
Body Language Expert Says Kate Can't "Mask Her Emotions"
"We also saw William...mirroring the same emotions as Kate."
-
Body Language Expert Reveals Queen Elizabeth "Truly Embraced" Meghan Markle During Rare Joint Appearance as a "Double Act" in 2018
"The fact that the two of them were appearing together...was quite unique."
-
Why Princess Diana Once "Canceled Lunch" at Kensington Palace to Take Prince William and Prince Harry to McDonald's
A former royal chef revealed the relatable reason Diana took her kids to the popular fast food chain.
-
Prince William and Prince Harry Could Be "Tempted" to Secretly Bid on Their Mother's Outfits in New Auction
Who could blame them?
-
How a "Last-Minute" Message Called an Urgent "Ceasefire" Between Prince Harry and Prince William After Queen Elizabeth Died
"They are better and stronger together than they are apart."
-
How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Paid Tribute to Princess Diana With Princess Lilibet's 4th Birthday Celebration
The Sussexes spent "two days of pure joy" at Disneyland with their children.
-
Prince William Says Family Can Be a "Mixed Bag" Amid Rift With Prince Harry
The Prince of Wales referenced tough family dynamics during a chat with soldiers.
-
Princess Lilibet Has Prince Harry's Eyes in Adorable New Fourth Birthday Photos
Proud mom Meghan shared some unseen photos of Lili—and she looks just like her dad.
-
All About Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Two Rescue Dogs, Mamma Mia and Pula
Prince Harry says the pair are "emotional support dogs 100 percent, when they're behaving."