Fellow Royal Member Takes a Dig at Meghan and Sarah for ‘Using Their Titles Everywhere’
A subtle swipe from a Duchess revives discussion around Meghan and Fergie’s public use of titles.
A small remark can sometimes speak louder than a headline, and the Duchess of Northumberland seems to know that well. In a recent interview, Jane Percy offered a pointed reflection on why she publishes her novels under a pseudonym and not her royal title. While she detailed her reasoning, she also commented on how certain Duchesses have handled their public image, and her words carried more weight than she may have let on. Although she did not name anyone, royal watchers believe her words were clearly aimed at Meghan Markle and Sarah Ferguson, who have long been accused of using their royal status for personal gain.
Speaking to GB News, the Duchess of Northumberland explained her decision to publish her novels under the name “Jane Northumberland.” She explained that she does so to avoid associating her formal title with her work. “Unlike other duchesses who put their names everywhere, I'm not using my title,” she said. She bluntly also added, "I'd say it could be detrimental as one or two duchesses haven't really helped the cause lately." It was hard to miss the implication here. Her remark appeared to nod toward Meghan Markle, who left royal duties in 2020, yet the Duchess of Sussex title has remained a central part of her public life.
This became clear recently during her Harper’s Bazaar profile, when a house manager announced “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,” even though she and the writer were the only two people in the room. The formality stood out to many, and critics slammed it for showcasing the depths of her self-importance. Her public branding has also carried the same tone, with her bags, stationery, and personal items often featuring the Duchess initials. Interestingly, before leaving the working royal life, Markle and Prince Harry also filed trademark requests for “Sussex Royal” across a long list of categories. While the plan was dropped later after discussions with the Palace, the filing remains one of the clearest signs that their title could play a part in their wider brand.
Just like Markle, even Sarah Ferguson has used her Duchess title as part of her personal branding. While she may no longer be the ‘Duchess of York,’ given that King Charles stripped her ex-husband of his titles, the styling once sat at the center of her commercial life, despite her 1996 divorce from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. She used it in book covers, interviews, and television appearances. It helped her stay relevant, even when she was no longer part of the working royal fold. Ferguson’s long partnership with Weight Watchers in the 1990s was one of the clearest examples of her Duchess status being used as a commercial asset.
While she used “Sarah, Duchess of York” in almost all of her correspondence, the 2010 “cash for access” scandal showcased just how quickly the Duchess’s connection could slide into troubled territory. In an undercover video, she was caught offering introductions to Mountbatten-Windsor in exchange for money. It was a serious lapse on her part, and when the scandal reached Queen Elizabeth II, she apparently called her ‘The Duchess of Deceit.’
So, while Markle and Ferguson come from different generations, their careers share a clear link. And in both cases, the choice to carry the Duchess's identity into their private work has stirred questions about when a royal title becomes a personal tool rather than a symbol of duty.
