Royal fans think they’ve spotted a blunder in Meghan’s new Instagram page  – but here’s the truth

Royal fans think they have spotted a blunder on Meghan Markle’s new Instagram page.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, returned to the social media platform on New Year’s Day, after originally setting up the account @meghan in 2022.

Prince Harry was behind the camera in the new video, which caused a stir online as tens of thousands of people followed the video, while the Duchess has now amassed more than a million followers.

But after seeing her first upload, fans were quick to point out that the account name had been quietly changed from just ‘Meghan’ to ‘Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’ – seemingly missing the ‘The’.

The simple blunder sparked speculation surrounding Meghan’s marital status on X, formerly known as Twitter, when the royal fan page @Gertsroyals pointed out the update to her Instagram profile name.

The page shared screenshots showing the change and said: ‘Meghan’s Instagram has already had an update, with her name on the profile changing from ‘Meghan’ to ‘Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’.

“Hopefully we’ll see another update since she left out ‘The’ in her title. No ‘The’ for Duchess of Sussex means she is divorced.’

Royal fans drew comparisons with Sarah Ferguson, Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, who calls herself Duchess of York, to illustrate that a divorcee would not use ‘The’ for her title.

They added: “Meghan’s title is ‘Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.

“She has ‘The’ because she is the wife of the current title holder. Sarah doesn’t have a ‘The’ as a divorcee.’

Many were confused by the name change, with one person writing: ‘She actually got her title right for once. It’s ‘Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’ or if she chooses to leave out her first name, it’s ‘The Duchess of Sussex’.

To which the royal fan account disagreed, saying: ‘That’s not right. “The” indicates the current title holder (or spouse of).

‘Normally you don’t use the first name because there is only one title holder at a time, so no confusion as to who you are talking to. No ‘The’ indicates that the person does not own the title. She could be a divorced woman. Or some with a courtesy title, like eldest son.”

They later added that it was a common mistake, even made by the palace and numerous royal photographers on one occasion.

They wrote: ‘Most people, even the royal staff, do not understand the correct use of ‘The’. We see this error all the time.

‘It remains for the current title holders. It is added to divorcees, former title holders, or people who retain title in their own right.

‘The Palace actually made this mistake when they initially announced that Harry and Meghan were no longer using their HRH. They had to embarrassingly correct themselves after people pointed out they were labeling Megan as a divorcee.”

Despite Harry and Meghan being happily married, only divorcees or widows of hereditary peers are typically referred to by their first name, followed by a comma and then their title – as in the case of Diana, Princess of Wales and Sarah, Duchess of Wales . York.

This is to distinguish them from the current holder of the same title.

However, it appears to be simply a mistake on the Duchess’ part; in fact, the same mistake was made by palace officials in 2020.

There was later a review at Buckingham Palace after she was incorrectly listed as ‘Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’ in a palace statement.

After the Mail pointed this out, royal officials confirmed that the information had been incorrectly provided by the press office and that the couple’s new titles would be reported in due course.

Royal experts claimed it was likely they would simply return to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, without the HRH.

Royal commentator Alastair Bruce told Sky News at the time: ‘The Palace made an announcement about what the Duke and Duchess would be called.

“But it inadvertently sends the wrong message, because the style being presented is the style being adopted to express divorce.”

According to the palace, the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not subject to change, but updated guidelines have been issued on how the names should be formatted.

Buckingham Palace said its previous guidance on the royal couple’s title was incorrect, and that it was consulting with the Garter King of Arms – who specializes in matters of titles and protocol – to issue updated guidance.

The latest controversy comes as the couple tries to fend off rumors of ‘a secret divorce’.

However, the rumors were quashed after Prince Harry appeared in the trailer for Meghan’s new Netflix series.

The Prince and Meghan shared a sweet moment together in the trailer for her new Netflix cooking show.

The Duke of Sussex made a cameo appearance towards the end of the promo for his wife’s highly anticipated new series With Love, Meghan.

The couple can be seen hugging each other as they enjoy a drink together on a sunny outdoor terrace.

Prince Harry and Meghan each hold a champagne flute as they socialize.

It’s currently unclear whether Prince Harry will appear in the series, but his teased cameo in the trailer suggests he may have a role.

The Duchess of Sussex launched the Netflix series on Instagram on Thursday, a day after her new account posted the first film set in 2025.

The highly anticipated lifestyle show, which fans were promised when Meghan’s brand American Riviera Orchard was first teased last March, will kick off on January 15.

It comes after a year of speculation about when the first episodes will be released.

The trailer shows the Duchess cooking in her Montecito kitchen, picking produce from her garden and chatting with some very famous friends.

Meghan posted the trailer to her Instagram account and wrote, “I’m so excited to share this with you guys! I hope you love the show as much as I love making it.

‘Wishing you all a fantastic New Year! Thanks to our amazing crew and team. Beyond grateful for the support – and fun!’

She signed off: “As always, Meghan.”

Netflix describes the series in an official synopsis: “In With Love, Meghan, we join Meghan in the kitchen, the garden – and even the beehive – as she prepares to entertain friends both old and new.

‘Meghan shares some of her favorite tips and tricks for cooking, gardening, crafting and more, revealing how even the smallest details can help add beauty to our lives and, most importantly, bring people together.

‘Whether it’s preparing gifts for guests or adding edible flowers to breakfast, it really is the thought that counts.’