The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have embarked on a fresh chapter in their royal journey, unveiling a new identity for their children as part of their ongoing rebranding efforts.
As Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, continue to redefine their roles within the royal family, their latest move underscores their commitment to carving out a distinct path forward, both personally and professionally.
This development coincides with the news of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, which prompted Prince Harry’s recent return to the UK to visit his father. Buckingham Palace disclosed that the diagnosis, while not related to the king’s recent surgery for benign prostate enlargement, has led to a schedule of regular treatments, necessitating a postponement of public-facing duties.
In light of these developments, the king’s grandchildren, previously known as Prince Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Princess Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, will now bear the names Archie and Lilibet Sussex, according to sources cited by the Times. This change aligns with Prince Harry’s former title, Captain Wales, during his military service, and marks a departure from the traditional Mountbatten-Windsor surname convention.
The decision to adopt alternative names signals a significant departure from tradition, notably established in 1960, which mandated that future heirs of Queen Elizabeth II carry the Mountbatten-Windsor surname.
Beyond their children’s names, Harry and Meghan’s rebranding efforts extend to their online presence, with their website transitioning from Archewell.com to Sussex.com. The revamped site, adorned with the couple’s royal coat of arms, serves as the official platform for “The office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
While facing scrutiny over their rebrand, Meghan commended the designers’ meticulous work and creativity, particularly praising the Canadian-based company involved in the project.
This rebranding initiative not only showcases the couple’s philanthropic endeavors but also fosters unity within the family, as they now share a common surname. However, the absence of the word “royal” from their site reflects a deliberate move away from their previous royal associations.
In addition to their rebranding efforts, Meghan Markle recently announced a new podcast deal with Lemonada Media, following the conclusion of their agreement with Spotify last year.
