Meghan Says “Ma’am”: The New Royal Protocols at Invictus Games
Ah, Meghan Markle. Love her, loathe her, or simply unable to look away, she’s back in the headlines, but this time, she’s brought along her very own title: “ma’am.” Apparently, in her new role as Invictus Games CEO Scott Moore’s favorite Duchess, she insists on being addressed as such. What is this, a royal rebranding or just a really posh nickname? I half expect her to add a crown emoji every time someone uses it.
So, during an apparently thrilling briefing with Mr. Moore—who I can only assume was prepping for a job interview that involved tap dancing and reciting royal etiquette—he was told that the magic words to utter upon meeting the Duchess of Sussex are simply “ma’am.” I mean, why take a leisurely stroll through “Your Royal Highness” when you can rocket straight to “ma’am” like you’re ordering a quick coffee at a trendy cafe? And it doesn’t stop there; Prince Harry gets “sir.” Because, apparently, the boy who used to call himself “Harry” now requires a bit more pomp. Perhaps he’s just testing the waters for future snazzy titles like “Street King” or “Duke of Chill.”
Now, let’s talk protocols — or, as I like to call them, the royal rulebook that gets rewritten whenever someone has a good idea or a radical thought like “let’s go on a podcast and chat about our feelings.” The previous protocol, which involved all the formalities — titles, bowing, potentially dancing a jig — is seemingly out the window now that the Duke and Duchess have stepped back from their royal duties. Which raises the question: are we really just posturing when we call people “Your Royal Highness” or are we just practicing our Shakespearean insults?
Let’s not forget that our dear Harry, back in 2020, was all about the informality. He asked people to call him simply “Harry” at a tourism conference. Oh, how the tides have turned! From “Harry” to “Sir” in about 24 months. That’s some rapid royal evolution, possibly equivalent to a caterpillar turning into a butterfly who demands to be called “majestic being.”
But all jesting aside, the Invictus Games are no laughing matter. They’re a brilliant initiative that Prince Harry founded in 2014 after being inspired by the American Warrior Games. It’s a crucial event for wounded, injured, and ill military personnel to show their strength and resilience. So, while we giggle over titles and protocols, let’s remember the real heroes in this story—the competitors who are training hard for the games.
Speaking of which, Meghan and Harry made quite the cute couple during their recent trip to Vancouver. They spent Valentine’s Day bonding with the Invictus community, participating in winter sports. A charming gesture that makes you think: would we all be doing the same without the spotlight? I mean, if someone asked me to snowboard on my Valentine’s Day, I’d say, “Sure, but do you have hot chocolate?” I suppose they can skip the hot chocolate because *they’re* busy using their star power to inspire. Meanwhile, we mere mortals are just trying to find our socks in the morning.
And just as a final cheeky note, during last year’s games, Meghan hinted at bringing their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Imagine the playdates! “Let’s play ‘Princess and the Knight’ but just for clarity, I’ll be “ma’am” if anyone asks.”
In conclusion, whether it’s “ma’am” or “Your Royal Highness,” it seems titles are just as fluid as a soap opera plot twist. So let’s raise a glass—filled with whatever you fancy, royal protocols be damned—here’s to the Invictus Games, the continuing royal saga, and to a little cheekiness in our lives!
Scott Moore, the CEO of the Invictus Games, has disclosed that Meghan Markle prefers to be addressed as “ma’am.” The newly appointed director for the upcoming Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 shared that he was specifically briefed about this noteworthy preference prior to his initial meeting with the Duchess of Sussex during her visit to Canada earlier this year.
“I made sure to ask them how they should be approached when they got here,” Mr. Moore shared, according to the mirror. He explained that the guidance he received was to address Meghan simply as “ma’am” and Prince Harry as “sir.” This approach contrasts sharply with the typical formal address associated with the royal family, which traditionally begins with “Your Royal Highness” followed by “Madam” or “Sir.” However, following their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex no longer possess the title “HRH,” rendering this formal protocol irrelevant.
The decision to retain the official title highlights a notable shift from Prince Harry’s previous inclination towards informality. During a tourism conference in Edinburgh back in 2020, he encouraged the host and attendees to refer to him simply as “Harry,” indicating his desire for a more approachable demeanor.
The Invictus Games serve as a prestigious international multi-sport event designed specifically for wounded, injured, and ill military personnel, including both active service members and veterans. Established by Prince Harry in 2014, the Games were inspired by the American Warrior Games and aim to promote the importance of rehabilitation through sports.
In February, during their trip to Vancouver, the Sussexes took the opportunity to engage with the Invictus community on Valentine’s Day, participating in winter sports training alongside the competitors. This event, known as the “One More Year” celebration, spans three days and offers members of the international Invictus community a chance to practice various winter sports ahead of the next year’s Games. Scheduled for February 8 to 16, 2025, the Vancouver event aims to build on the tremendous success of the 2023 Games held in Germany, attracting much international attention and participation.
During last year’s Games, Meghan Markle hinted at the exciting prospect of bringing her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the event in the future.
**Interview with Scott Moore, CEO of the Invictus Games**
**Editor:** Welcome, Scott! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the latest developments regarding Meghan Markle and the Invictus Games. You’re at the center of an interesting shift in royal protocol. Can you tell us about your experience meeting Meghan and how the decision to address her as ”ma’am” came about?
**Scott Moore:** Thank you for having me! It was an incredible experience. Prior to meeting Meghan, I was briefed on how to properly address her, which was a first for me. The guidance was clear: she prefers to be called “ma’am” and Prince Harry as “sir.” This was quite different from the traditional “Your Royal Highness” protocol we’re used to.
**Editor:** It certainly raises eyebrows, doesn’t it? Considering the couple has moved away from royal duties, do you think this signals a shift in how they want to present themselves to the public?
**Scott Moore:** Absolutely! I think it reflects their desire for a more modern approach to royal interactions. While some may see this as a casualization of royal etiquette, it’s also about ensuring that their engagements are approachable and relatable, especially in a setting like the Invictus Games, which emphasizes community and support.
**Editor:** You mentioned that the focus should remain on the games and the competitors. How important is it to keep that at the forefront when discussing the couple’s preferences?
**Scott Moore:** It’s vital! The Invictus Games are all about celebrating the resilience and strength of wounded, injured, and ill service personnel. That’s the mission we center our conversations around. Meghan and Harry’s involvement brings attention to that cause, and it’s essential to highlight the heroes participating in the games rather than just the royal fanfare.
**Editor:** Speaking of heroes, how did Meghan and Harry engage with the Invictus community during their recent visit?
**Scott Moore:** They were incredibly hands-on! They bonded with the community deeply—participating in winter sports, sharing laughs, and really showing their commitment to the cause. It was heartwarming to see them take the time to connect with the athletes and the families involved. It reminded everyone that at the end of the day, it’s about making a difference.
**Editor:** Lastly, it seems like the playful banter surrounding titles continues as well. Do you think this will influence how future royals are perceived or how they will carry out their duties?
**Scott Moore:** I think it could. As society evolves, so do roles and titles. Meghan and Harry are showing that there’s flexibility in how one can approach royalty. This newfound casualness might resonate with a younger audience and could inspire further change in how future royals project themselves.
**Editor:** Thank you, Scott! It’s fascinating to see how these interactions and changing protocols will unfold as we look ahead to the Invictus Games 2025.
**Scott Moore:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for the Invictus Games, and I look forward to what’s next.
