Meghan Markle's title expected to be the Duchess of Sussex - and the controversial name the Queen will probably reject
Meghan Markle, the American actress who will marry Prince Harry in the spring, will likely be known as Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex, it has emerged.
Although Ms Markle may informally be known as Princess Meghan, this will not be her official title due to Royal protocol.
The couple announced their engagement this morning via Clarence House's Twitter feed, sparking congratulations from around the world.
According to tradition, the Queen, on the morning of their wedding, will bestow a title on Prince Harry and Ms Markle, as was the case in 2011 when Kate Middleton became the Duchess of Cambridge when she married Prince William.
The title of Duke and Duchess of Sussex is the most likely choice for the newlyweds according to Royal watchers with other names being dogged by bad luck.
George Plantagenet became the Duke of Clarence in 1449, and was convicted of treason against his brother, Edward IV. He was then imprisoned and sentenced to death.
Another Duke of Clarence was the eldest son of Edward VII, and was dogged throughout his life by rumours about his intellect, sexuality and mental health. He was also suspected of being Jack the Ripper.
If Harry turns down this dukedom, he will remain Prince Henry of Wales, which would in this case make Meghan Markle HRH Princess Henry of Wales. Princess Michael of Kent also takes her husband's first name.
Genealogist Charles Kidd, editor of Debrett's Peerage & Baronetage, told the Press Association that it is likely the Duke of Sussex would be given to Harry.
"They're quite limited in the titles that are available. The Duke of Sussex is the front-runner without any doubt," he said.
"I think the others are highly unlikely. Clarence hasn't been used for a long time and it's been sort of tainted by bad luck.
"One Duke of Clarence was the eldest son of Edward VII and there have been a lot of fairly salacious stories surrounding him.
"Another Duke of Clarence was executed for treason and allegedly drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine.
"Connaught, with its links to the Republic of Ireland, might not be suitable at the moment.
"The dukedoms of Cumberland, Albany and Teviotdale are all suspended, meaning there could be claims to those titles."
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