Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s wedding approaches after he popped the question following a whirlwind romance.
But how will the “Suits” actress be addressed after their wedding on May 19 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle?
What will Meghan Markle’s title be after she marries Prince Harry?
Actress Markle will be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Henry of Wales, using her husband’s name — while any children born to the couple will be a lord or lady, not a prince or princess.
Meghan’s full name is Rachel Meghan Markle, but as she was referred to as Meghan in Buckingham Palace’s announcement, it is likely she will use this name officially.
However, the 36-year-old actress won’t be known as Princess Meghan.
According to rumors, the pair will instead be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after they wed.
This is because, due to rules governing the British crown, only those born into the royal family can use the title Prince or Princess, followed by their first name.
Harry’s mom, Diana, was given the title Princess of Wales — a courtesy title held by the wife of the Prince of Wales — but she was never formally referred to as Princess Diana for the same reason.
Will Meghan Markle be a princess?
It is almost guaranteed that the Queen will instead bestow the couple a dukedom before their wedding, making Meghan a duchess.
And it has been rumored that, once married, the pair will become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Markle would then be known as the Duchess of Sussex — much the same way Kate Middleton has become the Duchess of Cambridge.
Titles the Duke and Duchess of Clarence and Buckingham are also available. The line has died out, so they are the Queen’s gift to bestow on the couple if she so chooses.
What will their children be?
Their children could be princes and princesses — if the Queen decides.
Royal rules mean only HRH Prince George would have been a prince, and HRH Princess Charlotte of Cambridge would have been Lady Charlotte Mountbatten-Windsor.
But the Queen stepped in when Kate was pregnant in 2012 and issued a new patent.
It stated that “all the children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales should have and enjoy the style, title and attribute of royal highness with the titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their Christian names or with such other titles of honor.”
The Queen may intervene and issue another decree for Prince Harry’s children, if he has any.