Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, appear ready to leave behind their royal titles and start living as just "Harry and Meghan." This week it was announced that the couple will make their first official TV appearance since they split from the royal family earlier this year. On Sept. 22, they'll appear on ABC's TIME 100 TV special, celebrating the most influential people in the world. However, the real note was that both decided to deviate from their titles and be announced only as "Meghan and Harry."
Harry and Meghan deviate from royal titles in new TV appearance
In a preview of the special "TIME100 Television Event," ABC revealed the participation of musicians and stars, including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex—but they were referred to only as "Meghan and Harry."
In the commercial, revealed this week by E!, the program previewed a celebration of "pioneers, artists, icons and titans." Presenters include comedian Trevor Noah, Sandra Oh, John Legend, Kumail Nanjiani, and Harry and Meghan—who appear in the clip only in a promo photo.
Jennifer Hudson, Halsey and The Weeknd also perform on the TV special that airs next Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Just call them "Harry and Meghan"
Although their agreement with Queen Elizabeth II allowed them to keep their titles, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have decided to start their independent lives without using them publicly.
"Just call me Harry," said the son of Princess Diana and Prince Charles at a conference in February, just weeks after announcing his official separation from duties as a member of the British Crown.
At another event in Los Angeles, the Sussexes asked their hosts to refer to them by their names and not by their titles. "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were just Harry and Meghan for us," said Father Greg Boyle, who welcomed the couple at a Rehabilitation Center for Former Gang Members.
Watch Harry and Meghan on ABC's Time 100 special, which airs Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 10 p.m. ET.