This Is Why We Can't Call Meghan Markle "Princess Meghan"

The royals have a very strict protocol about her title.

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Today, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are officially married, and Meghan has a new title: Her Royal Highness Princess Henry of Wales, not Princess Meghan. Yes, we know, plot twist of the century.

So why can't we call her Princess Meghan? Only those who are born into the royal family can use the title Prince or Princess, followed by their first name. Harry's mom was frequently referred to as Princess Diana, but her formal title was "Diana, Princess of Wales."

While Kate Middleton and Prince William are known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Harry and Meghan will be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In order for them to receive this title, the Queen herself had to bestow this upon them. The royal family announced the news this morning in a statement:

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Prince William is next in line to the throne after his father, Prince Charles, which would then make him Prince of Wales when Charles becomes king.

Follow along here as we report on the royal wedding in real-time—from the dress to the tiara to Harry and Meghan's most adorable moments.

Rachel Epstein
Rachel Epstein

Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.