After stepping away from royal duties and settling in California, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle agreed to stop using the “Sussex Royal” brand at the request of the late Queen Elizabeth II. At the time, both their official website and Instagram presence carried the Sussex Royal name, which was later discontinued as part of their transition away from royal roles.
The Birth of Archewell
Following the arrival of their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in 2019, the couple introduced “Archewell” as the name for their charitable foundation and media projects. The name was inspired by Archie and symbolized a new chapter focused on purpose-driven work beyond the royal institution.
A Shift in Family Surname
After the coronation of King Charles III, Harry and Meghan made a significant personal decision regarding their children’s identity. They chose to use “Sussex” as the surname for both Archie and Lilibet, replacing Mountbatten-Windsor. Prince Harry was granted the title Duke of Sussex on his wedding day in May 2018, making the name closely tied to their immediate family.
When Archie was born, he did not receive a royal title due to long-standing protocols that limited such titles to the monarch’s grandchildren in the direct line. However, following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and King Charles III’s accession to the throne, both Archie and Lilibet became eligible for the titles of Prince and Princess. Their parents have since confirmed that the children will use these titles.
Meghan on the Meaning of “Sussex”
In a recent interview, actress Mindy Kaling referred to Meghan by her maiden name. Meghan gently corrected her, explaining the emotional importance of the change. She shared that adopting the Sussex name holds deep meaning for her because it is the name she now shares with her children, calling it their “little family name.”
Public Reaction and Debate
The decision to adopt Sussex as the children’s surname has drawn mixed reactions online. Some critics have questioned the couple’s consistency and intentions, suggesting the move reflects ongoing rebranding rather than substance. Others have argued that despite stepping back from royal life, the couple continues to maintain a strong connection to royal identity and public attention.
A Unified Digital Presence
As part of this shift, Harry and Meghan have also updated their official website to Sussex.com. According to the couple, the change represents their desire to present a unified family identity and reflect the name they now share as a household.
