Meghan Markle has sparked fresh discussion by introducing herself only as “Meghan” on her new podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder. This follows recent debates over her preference for the surname “Sussex” after marrying Prince Harry. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments.
Podcast Name Simplicity
In the debut episode of Confessions of a Female Founder, released April 8, Meghan introduced herself simply as “Meghan,” avoiding both her maiden name “Markle” and the royal-linked “Sussex.” The episode credits and promotional materials also refer to her by her first name only. This contrasts with her March 2025 Netflix series With Love, Meghan, where she emphasized using “Sussex” as a shared family name with Harry and their children.
“I’m Meghan,” she said at the start of the podcast, followed by credits stating, “created and hosted by Meghan” .
The shift appears intentional. Sources suggest it aligns with her casual, approachable brand strategy, mirroring her Instagram handle (@meghan) and lifestyle brand As Ever. Critics speculate whether this reflects a desire to distance herself from royal titles or streamline her public identity.
Netflix’s “Sussex” Correction
The podcast’s name choice follows a viral moment in her Netflix show. During a conversation with Mindy Kaling, Meghan joked about being called “Markle”:
“It’s so funny that you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now,” she told Kaling, adding that sharing a family name with Harry and their children Archie (5) and Lilibet (3) felt deeply meaningful.
Kaling later acknowledged the moment on The View, calling it “big news” but clarified their friendship remained strong. The exchange fueled debates over Meghan’s identity post-royalty, especially after their children’s last names were reportedly changed to “Sussex” in 2025.
Branding Strategy Shift
Analysts note Meghan’s move to a first-name-only approach mirrors celebrity branding trends (e.g., Beyoncé, Madonna) and emphasizes relatability. A source close to her team stated, “She’s building a personal brand separate from royal titles, focusing on entrepreneurship and female empowerment”. Her podcast, produced by Lemonada Media, features interviews with business leaders like Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd, blending professional insights with personal stories.
Critical Reception of Podcast
The podcast’s premiere received mixed reviews. While fans praised Meghan’s chemistry with guests, critics called it “sycophantic” and lacking substance. The Times of London wrote:
“Receiving business advice from a Californian multimillionaire who owes her fortune to marrying a prince is as illuminating as you’d expect”.
Other reviews criticized the focus on “self-love” over practical business advice. Defenders argued the show aims to highlight shared struggles among female founders rather than technical details.
YouTuber’s Neutral Stance
Separately, YouTuber Kady Méite addressed similarities between her series Confessions of a Female Founder and Meghan’s podcast. While acknowledging the coincidence, Méite refused to fuel negativity:
“I don’t want a video title to fuel the already going Meghan hate train”.
Her channel, which has 1.7k subscribers, focuses on entrepreneurship and modest fashion, differing from Meghan’s celebrity-driven format.
Addressing Media Bullying
In the podcast’s first episode, Meghan and Wolfe Herd discussed facing public criticism. Wolfe Herd called the media’s treatment of Meghan “brutalizing,” to which Meghan replied:
“No matter the scale, you have to decide whether to cower or conquer”.
The conversation touched on Meghan’s postpartum health struggles and balancing motherhood with work. Wolfe Herd praised her resilience, calling her a “strong cookie”.
Confessions of a Female Founder releases new episodes weekly for eight weeks. Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan has been renewed for a second season.
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