EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle will struggle to drop the “Sussex” name for a surprising reason, according to one expert.

Meghan Markle recently released her new podcast (Image: GETTY)

Meghan Markle’s new series launched on Netflix this month and has receieved mixed reviews among much fanfare. The lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan explores her personal interests and inspirations curating a programme where viewers can learn tips and tricks to apply to their own lives.

One scene from the hotly anticipated project recently when viral when Meghan corrected her pal Mindy Kaling over her royal title. “It’s so funny too, that you keep saying ‘Meghan Markle,” The Duchess told The Mindy Project star. “You know I’m Sussex now,” she added. PR expert Edward Coram-James, CEO of Go Up, has revealed the importance of Meghan’s use of the Sussex name.

Meghan Markle corrected her friend Mindy Kaling during the show (Image: NETFLIX)

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Edward said, “In LA, Meghan’s return to Instagram has been fairly well received — Americans love her independence, her ability to reinvent herself, and her move toward Hollywood-style branding.

“But across the pond, this is only reinforcing the perception that she is using her royal connections for commercial gain.

The expert shared the reason she won’t drop her Sussex name is also a way of keeping ties with the royals which ultimately raises her brand’s profile.

He continued: “To many in the UK, a true departure from royalty would mean dropping the title altogether and becoming simply ‘Meghan Markle’ — but that’s not happening.

With Love, Meghan premiered on Netflix earlier this month (Image: NETFLIX)

Meghan Markle explained she wants to be referred to as Sussex as opposed to Markle (Image: Getty)

“By keeping ‘Sussex,’ Meghan is holding onto the royal name because it gives her brand credibility. If she wanted to be just Meghan, she would drop Sussex, but she won’t.

“It seems she is trying to have it both ways — leveraging her royal past while curating a modern, independent celebrity image.”

As Mindy and Meghan’s conversation unfolded on the Netflix programme the Duchess clarified she wants to use Sussex as it is her children, Archie and Lilibet’s surname.

It has now been confirmed the show has been renewed for a second series on Netlix despite an unfortunate blow.

With Love, Meghan has been struggling with ratings, especially when compared to her hit 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan.

It achieved about 12.6 million hours of viewership within the first week, ranking in at number 10, trailing behind shows like Running Point, starring Kate Hudson, and WWE programming.

It comes as Netflix decides whether to renew its deal with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which is set to expire this year.

While their initial documentary, Harry & Meghan, broke streaming records upon its release in December 2022, subsequent projects have failed to match its success.

However, Meghan recently announced a new podcast and is launching Confessions of a Female Founder with Lemonada Media.