Oprah Mocks Royal Name on Air
Oprah Winfrey, 2023. Photo courtesy of Maryland GovPics under CC BY 2.0.
Oprah Winfrey, the queen of daytime television and a longtime confidante of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, recently stirred up a playful buzz with a lighthearted jab at the couple's Sussex last name. On a popular podcast hosted by Kelly Ripa, Winfrey couldn't resist turning the Sussex surname into a tongue twister, adding a few extra "xes" for comedic effect. The moment was a charming reminder of the close friendship between the media mogul and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, while also spotlighting the unique identity the couple has carved out since stepping back from their senior royal roles.
A Royal Name That's More Than Just a Title
The Sussex last name has become a symbol of the couple's new chapter, blending tradition with their own modern family values. Meghan Markle, who officially adopted the Sussex surname after she married Prince Harry in 2018, has been clear about the significance of the name. It's not just a title but a shared family identity that she cherishes deeply, especially as a mother. Meghan has expressed how meaningful it is to share the Sussex name with her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, emphasizing that it represents their close-knit family unit.
This sentiment was highlighted in a recent episode of Meghan's Netflix lifestyle series, "With Love, Meghan," where guest star Mindy Kaling repeatedly referred to her by her maiden name. Meghan gently corrected her, reminding Kaling that she is now "Sussex," according to Page Six, a correction that sparked a wave of social media chatter and underscored how much the couple value their chosen surname. She went on to say, "You have kids and you go, 'No, I share my name with my children' ... It just means so much to go, 'This is our family name, our little family name.'"
Oprah's Playful Twist on a Familiar Name
During the podcast episode, Kelly Ripa asked Oprah what she would do if someone gifted her baby chicks. Winfrey's response: "I'd run them straight over to the Sussexes's," according to Harpers Bazaar — playfully mangling the name into a tongue twister by adding extra "xes." The joke was delivered with warmth and affection, a nod to her close relationship with the couple, who have been her friends and neighbors since their move to California.
Oprah's humor also reflects the public's fascination with the Sussexes' transition from royal life to Hollywood-adjacent celebrity. Since stepping down from their official duties in 2020 and relocating to Montecito, California, Harry and Meghan have embraced a new lifestyle that blends philanthropy, media projects, and family life — all under the banner of the Sussex name.
The Sussex Name in the Spotlight
The Sussex surname has become a talking point not just among friends but in the media and public discourse. Meghan's decision to emphasize the name in her Netflix show and interviews signals a deliberate effort to define her family's identity on their own terms. It's a break from the traditional royal practice where family members are often referred to by their titles rather than surnames.
Meghan has previously explained that the name Sussex holds special meaning for her and Harry, especially as their children grow older and begin to understand their family story. The name is a symbol of unity and a shared journey, one that blends royal heritage with personal choice.
A Friendship That Goes Beyond the Headlines
Oprah's playful jab is more than just a joke — it's a glimpse into the genuine bond she shares with the Sussexes. She was a guest at their 2018 wedding and conducted their first major interview after they left royal life, helping to shape the public narrative around their new path. Her lighthearted teasing about the Sussex name shows a side of the relationship that is personal and affectionate, far from the often-intense media scrutiny the couple faces.
This moment also highlights how the Sussexes have cultivated a circle of support that includes some of the most influential figures in entertainment and media. Oprah's involvement in their story has been pivotal, offering them a platform and a voice as they navigate their unique position between royalty and celebrity.
What's Next for the Sussexes and Their Name?
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to build their family and careers, the Sussex name will likely remain a central part of their identity. It's a name that carries history, personal meaning, and a touch of rebellion against royal convention. Oprah's joke, while light and humorous, underscores the cultural weight the name now holds.
For fans and followers, the Sussex surname is more than just a label — it's a story of love, reinvention, and the power of choosing one's own path. And with Oprah's playful twist, it's clear that the name Sussex will continue to be a source of fascination, affection, and yes, even a little fun.
References: Oprah Winfrey pokes fun at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Sussex last name | Oprah Winfrey Jokes About Prince Harry and Meghan's Last Name
