The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have changed their children’s surnames as part of their rebrand.
Names will now know Prince Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Princess Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor Archie Sussex and Lilibet Sussex¹.
This decision breaks with a tradition established in 1960, which dictated that future heirs of Queen Elizabeth II would bear the surname Mountbatten-Windsor.
However, the Sussexes have opted for an alternative approach, aligning their children’s names with their rebranding efforts.
The change in surnames coincides with the Sussexes’ recent website transformation. Previously known as Archewell.com, their online presence has now shifted to Sussex.com. The revamped site features a prominent photo of the couple at last year’s Invictus Games, overlaid with their royal coat of arms and titled “The office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.” Links to the Archewell Foundation, Archewell Productions, and their Sussex Royal website are also provided.
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While some critics have raised eyebrows at the use of the name Sussex, the source emphasizes that there is no explicit use of the word “royal” on the site. The rebrand aims to showcase the couple’s charitable work and unify the family under a single surname⁴.
Meghan Markle, who recently announced a new podcast deal with Lemonade Media, praised the designers behind the rebrand for their attention to detail and creativity. She expressed her admiration for their work, noting that they are not just designers but also collaborators who bring ideas to life visually⁴.
As the Sussexes prepare for next year’s Winter Invictus Games in Whistler, Vancouver, their rebrand continues to generate interest and discussion. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s new surnames mark a significant chapter in the family’s evolving identity, reflecting their departure from the traditional Mountbatten-Windsor lineage⁵.
Sola Adeniji Reporting for M10News
