Why it looks like Meghan Markle is changing her name for good

Meghan Markle
(Image credit: Getty)

It seems that Meghan Markle could be preparing to drop her famous surname for good because of one key sign.

The Duchess of Sussex, who has just launched a Spotify podcast with Prince Harry called Archewell Audio, appears to have ditched her family surname as she is listed differently in the description of the podcast.

Instead the royal goes by just her first name Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex on Spotify after she and the Duke of Sussex signed a multi-million pound deal with the US streaming service to both create and host podcasts.

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Anyone who has listened to the podcast would have read in the about section, which says, 'Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, present Archewell Audio, only on Spotify. Follow for updates.'

And before the Sussexes, who have 19-month-old son Archie, got married in 2018, royal expert Marlene Koenig predicted that she would drop her surname.

Speaking to Town and Country magazine at the time, Marlene said, "Once married, Meghan will sign as Meghan, no last name. Just as Harry signs as Harry. Royals use only a first name."

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And it looks like she's right - even though it's taken almost three years.

But royals are permitted to - and do use the name 'Windsor' or 'Mountbatten-Windsor', as was confirmed by The Queen after her accession in 1952.

Marlene continued, "This was used by Anne, Andrew, and Edward when they married. Charles had no surname on his registrar. We do not know what William used because unlike every other royal, he chose not to make it public."

Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)