Meghan Markle’s Netflix series, With Love, Meghan, premiered in March 2025, focusing on lifestyle topics like cooking and hosting. During an episode featuring actress Mindy Kaling, Meghan corrected Kaling for referring to her as “Meghan Markle,” stating, “You know, I’m Sussex now.” She went on to explain how significant it is for her to share the surname “Sussex” with her children, emphasizing the unity it brings to her family.

Thomas Markle, Meghan’s father, has publicly criticized his daughter for no longer using the Markle surname. In an interview, he expressed disappointment, suggesting that his late mother, Meghan’s grandmother, would be upset by this decision. He also criticized Meghan’s public persona, claiming that she seemed inauthentic in her new endeavors, particularly her hosting style, which he believes lacks passion and spontaneity.

Despite some backlash regarding his public comments, Thomas Markle has continued to speak out about his estranged relationship with Meghan. The public’s reaction has been mixed, with some defending his right to express his feelings, while others believe that his media appearances may be a reason for the ongoing distance between him and Meghan.