Meghan Markle has opened up about her struggle to define her professional identity since stepping back from her role as a senior working member of the British royal family in 2020. In a recent interview, the Duchess of Sussex admitted, “If I had to write a résumé, I don’t know what I would call myself.”
Markle, 43, and her husband, Prince Harry, made the decision to leave royal life and relocate to the United States five years ago. While the move seemed to present new opportunities for the couple, Markle revealed that it has also complicated her sense of identity in the business world.
“It speaks to this chapter many of us find ourselves in, where none of us are one note,” she added, suggesting that her diverse portfolio of projects makes it challenging to define her role.
Navigating identity beyond royal duties
Since settling in Montecito, California, the Sussexes have launched several lucrative ventures, including Netflix shows, books, podcasts, interviews, and commercial businesses.
Markle’s latest projects include a lifestyle series on Netflix titled “With Love, Meghan,” a brand named “As Ever,” and a podcast called “Confessions of a Female Founder.”
During an episode of “With Love, Meghan,” the former actress corrected comedian Mindy Kaling, who referred to her as “Meghan Markle.” Markle said, “It’s so funny that you keep saying ‘Meghan Markle.’ You know I’m Sussex now.”
Despite retaining their Sussex titles, Queen Elizabeth banned Meghan and Harry from using “Sussex Royal” for their projects outside the royal family. Looking to the future, Markle expressed interest in exploring the fashion industry, stating, “The category of fashion is something I will explore at a later date because I do think that’s an interesting space for me.” She also teased an upcoming product line for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, set to be announced in early 2026. Balancing her professional pursuits with motherhood, Markle shared a heartwarming “mom moment” involving her 6-year-old son, Archie, who excitedly informed her about losing his first tooth in the middle of the night.
Despite having important business meetings the following morning, Markle chose to stay with him, saying, “Those mom moments energize me to be a better founder, a better employer, a better boss.”
In March, Markle clarified her role in the social media landscape, emphasizing that she doesn’t consider herself a social media star or an “influencer.” She stated, “I see myself as an entrepreneur and a female founder, and if the brand ends up influential, then that’s great, but I wouldn’t categorize myself as an influencer.”
Meghan Markle’s candid admission about her professional identity highlights the challenges she faces as she navigates her post-royal life and pursues various entrepreneurial endeavors.
