Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly made a significant change involving their children, Archie and Lilibet. While the couple has often spoken about privacy and stepping back from royal life, this latest move has once again placed them at the center of public debate.
When their children were born, they were officially known as Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten Windsor. Those names followed royal tradition and reflected their connection to the wider royal family. However, it has now emerged that the children are no longer using Mountbatten Windsor in everyday life, a decision that has proven controversial among royal watchers.
The Sussexes have lived in California since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, raising their children largely out of the public eye. Archie was born in London in May 2019 and briefly experienced a traditional royal introduction, including a public meeting with Queen Elizabeth II just days after his birth. Lilibet followed in June 2021, born in the United States and named in tribute to the late Queen’s childhood nickname. Since then, she has rarely been seen publicly.
A family identity under the Sussex name
According to reports from The Times, Archie and Lilibet have been using the surname Sussex rather than Mountbatten Windsor since the coronation of King Charles III. The change became more visible after Prince Harry and Meghan launched their newly rebranded website, Sussex.com, which brings together their charitable work, media projects and public initiatives.
Sources close to the couple suggest the decision is part of a wider effort to present a unified family identity. By using Sussex across both their professional ventures and their private family life, the duke and duchess are said to be reinforcing a sense of togetherness. One insider described it as a proud and symbolic moment for the family, reflecting unity rather than rejection.
Mixed reactions from the public
As with many decisions involving the Sussexes, public reaction has been divided. Critics have accused the couple of wanting to distance themselves from the royal family while still benefiting from royal associations. Some commenters described the move as another attempt to stay relevant, questioning whether it contradicts Harry’s stated desire for a quieter life away from royal pressures.
Others, however, have voiced support. Several fans defended the decision as a personal choice, arguing that a name or title should not outweigh happiness or emotional wellbeing. Supporters pointed out that the couple has the right to shape their own family identity, especially after years of public scrutiny and controversy.
Whether seen as a rebrand or simply a modern family choice, the change has once again highlighted the complex relationship between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and the institution they left behind. As always, even the smallest personal decisions made by the Sussexes continue to resonate far beyond their California home.
