Royal shock: Meghan Markle to take new surname after split

Meghan Markle took on the regal surname Sussex when she tied the knot with Prince Harry at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor in May 2018.

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While the Duchess has continued to be known by her maiden name, she may opt to use another royal surname after she and Harry step down from official duties at the end of March.

According to Express, once the Sussexes complete their royal split, Meghan has the option to take on the surname Her Majesty chose to pass on to her descendants, Mountbatten-Windsor.

Meghan Markle took on the regal surname Sussex when she tied the knot with Prince Harry at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor in May 2018. *(Credit: Getty)*

The name is the one Harry and Meghan chose to bestow their son Archie Harrison, which was also reportedly a touching nod to his great grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh.

As a result, Meghan may opt to take on the same surname as her firstborn son so that they match, which would make her Meghan Mountbatten-Windsor.

The Mountbatten-Windsor name itself comes from the amalgamation of two family names – one being chosen by King George V and the other by Prince Philip.

King George V reportedly chose to take on the Windsor surname, while Philip opted for the Mountbatten surname after he married the Queen and became naturalised British citizen.

The two royal titles were eventually chosen to be used together as a result of tiff between the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen over Philip’s right to give his children his surname.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also made headlines recently for sharing a heartwarming message in honour of Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom.

An accompanying caption stated: “No matter what you call your mum, this Mother’s Day in the UK, we honour the mums all over the world who do so much every single day, and now more than ever.”