Understanding Royal Titles in Marriage and Divorce: The Case of Meghan Markle and the Duke of Manchester

In the intricate world of royal and noble titles, the dynamics can become quite confusing, especially when it comes to marriage and divorce. This article will provide a clear breakdown of what would happen to Meghan Markle, known as the Duchess of Sussex, if she were to get married to the Duke of Manchester, and further what would happen if they were to divorce.

The Importance of Royal Highness

Firstly, it's important to clarify that Meghan Markle is not a Royal Highness (HRH). Queen Elizabeth II granted her this title due to her association with the Duke of Sussex, her husband. However, upon a divorce, she would no longer hold this title. The term ‘HRH’ is reserved for members of the British royal family or those granted this honor by the monarch.

Titles After a Divorce

If Meghan were to divorce the Duke of Sussex, she would revert to her maiden name and her title would change to a courtesy title. Readers have suggested she might become 'Meghan Duchess of Manchester,' which, while a suggestion for a new life after a divorce, would not be officially correct.

Upon remarriage, she would take on her new husband's title, but would not regain the title of 'Duchess of Sussex.' It is a clear guideline in British society and its nobility that a divorced woman retains the title of her former husband but does not retain the 'The' in front of it. She would reintroduce her forename in its place.

Titles and Legalities

It is also crucial to note that bigamy is illegal in the United States and many other countries. Marrying a person while already married to another would be a crime of bigamy, which can lead to serious legal consequences. Therefore, the assertion that the Duchess of Sussex and the Duke of Manchester would both be able to remarry without any legal repercussions is unrealistic within current legal frameworks.

Proposed Titles and Their Legal Reality

Proposals for new titles, such as 'Duke and Duchess of Gehenna,' though imaginative, do not align with current legal and historical practices. The title 'Duchess of Manchester' would only be granted to her if the Duke of Manchester successfully secures his dukedom, which is not a guarantee.

Titles within the British nobility follow a similar pattern to wider societal rules. A woman retains her former husband's title, even after divorce, until she remarries. Upon remarriage, she would adopt her new husband's title, as seen in the case of Meghan Markle.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the dynamics of royal and noble titles, particularly concerning marriage and divorce, are more complex than one might imagine. The titles Meghan Markle and the Duke of Manchester would use depend significantly on the legal and historical precedents governing British nobility. Given the current legal restrictions on bigamy and the rules surrounding noble titles, Augustus GNU's suggestions for new titles, while intriguing, are not feasible within the existing legal framework.

Both individuals would need to navigate the legal and cultural expectations of British nobility, and any changes to these titles would have to adhere to the strict rules and regulations governing the British monarchy and aristocracy.