Residents have expressed their frustration over Meghan’s claim that “Sussex” is her surname, despite having visited the county only once for six hours.
Sussex locals are demanding the duchess “earn the right” to use the title by becoming more involved with the area and its community.
The controversy follows Meghan’s correction of actress Mindy Kaling during the second episode of her Netflix cookery show, ‘With Love, Meghan,’ where she insisted: “It’s so funny, too, that you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now.”
Residents from across Sussex have voiced their opinions, with many suggesting she should visit more frequently and contribute to local causes in order to use the name.
Sussex residents have expressed their frustration over Meghan Markle’s claim that “Sussex” is her surname
PA
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex conducted a brief tour of the county in October 2018, visiting Brighton, Chichester, Peacehaven and Bognor, but have not returned since.
Jeff Hall, 56, from Lewes told the Mail: “I’m sure the Sussex title is a very lucrative thing to have and, having married into the Royal Family, she should be able to use it. However, if she is going to use it then I would like to see her over in the county a bit more.
“One visit in eight years isn’t really good enough.”
His brother Colin, who runs Hall’s Fruits, added: “If she’s going to claim the title then she should have more connection with the place. She should get involved in a children’s charity or do something else worthwhile in the county.”
Meghan and Harry visit The Royal Pavilion during an official visit to Sussex on October 3, 2018 in Brighton
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Eleanor Feltham described the situation as “quite preposterous”, noting: “She’s never even spent a night in Sussex. Surely she can’t be serious?”
Bryan Jenkins, 72, told the publication: “She can call herself what she wants but she seems to suggest she has an affinity with Sussex which is nonsense.”
In her Netflix show, Meghan further explained the significance of the Sussex name, saying: “I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me but it just means so much to go ‘This is our family name. Our little family name’.”
Kaling responded: “Well, now I know, and I love it.”
Meghan conducted a brief tour of Sussex in October 2018 but have not returned since
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She later told People magazine prior to the release of the show that the Sussex name “is part of our love story” and something she shares with “Archie, Lili, H and I”.
A royal insider told the Mail that Meghan’s emphasis on the title was “clearly a warning shot” to the Royal Family.
The source suggested she was making a public point about how much the title meant to her and Prince Harry.
According to the insider, removing their titles could potentially be used as a sanction if the Sussexes publish release further tell-all books or interviews about the Royal Family.
