Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have confirmed that both of their children now use new names.
Archie and Lilibet no longer go by Mountbatten-Windsor. Instead, they use the surname Sussex. The change has sparked debate among royal watchers and the wider public.
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor were given traditional royal surnames at birth.
That naming followed long-standing convention for descendants of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The couple has now moved away from that structure.
Supporters see the change as a personal family decision. Critics argue it contradicts the couple’s earlier wish to distance themselves from royal life.
From Royal Protocol to Life in California
Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior royals in 2020. Soon after, they relocated to California. They now raise their children largely outside public royal duties.
Archie was born on May 6, 2019, in London. He became seventh in line to the throne at birth. His early life followed royal custom. He met Queen Elizabeth II in a public setting days after he was born.
Lilibet arrived on June 4, 2021, in the United States. Her name honored the late Queen, whose childhood nickname was Lilibet. Unlike her brother, she has stayed mostly out of public view.
Since King Charles III’s coronation, the children have used Sussex as their surname. The Times first reported the change. Sources say the family wanted a shared name that reflects unity.
Rebrand or Reconnection?
The name change aligns with a wider rebrand. Harry and Meghan recently updated their website and public-facing projects. Insiders say they want everything under one family identity.
Critics see this as mixed messaging. They argue the couple rejects royal duty while still using royal titles. Some have called the move hypocritical.
One social media user wrote that the couple focuses more on image than action. Others questioned why royal ties remain important if the couple wanted privacy.
Supporters disagree. They say the move gives Harry and Meghan control over their family narrative. They also point out that Sussex reflects their household, not the monarchy.
Why ‘Sussex’ Matters to Meghan
Meghan Markle has spoken openly about the decision. On her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, she explained why the surname matters to her.
She told Mindy Kaling that she now goes by Meghan Sussex. Meghan said sharing a name with her children feels meaningful. She described it as their “little family name.”
Mountbatten-Windsor remains the formal surname for many royals. Sussex, however, ties the children directly to their parents. Harry still holds the Duke of Sussex title, despite stepping back from royal duties.
An insider told The Times that the shift feels symbolic. They described it as a proud moment for the family.
Public reaction remains divided. Some praise the move as empowering. Others see it as another chapter in the ongoing royal debate.
Featured image credit: Instagram/@meghan
