The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly changed the last names of their children, Prince Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Princess Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor.
According to sources cited by The Times, the young royals will now be referred to as Archie and Lilibet Sussex, marking a departure from the tradition of using the Mountbatten-Windsor surname established in 1960 for future heirs of Queen Elizabeth II.
This decision to adopt alternative names aligns with the couple's broader rebranding efforts, reminiscent of Prince Harry's previous moniker "Captain Wales" during his military service. The move comes amid their shift away from their previous title as "Sussexes," which was met with controversy at Buckingham Palace in 2020, leading to the abandonment of their "Sussex Royal" branding.
In line with their renewed focus on their Sussex identity, the couple has revamped their official website, transitioning from Archewell.com to Sussex.com. The website features a prominent display of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle alongside their royal coat of arms and the title "The office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex." Links to their philanthropic endeavors through the Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions are also highlighted.
Despite facing criticism for their rebranding choices, Meghan Markle expressed appreciation for the meticulous design work on their website, praising the Canadian-based designers for their creativity and attention to detail.
The rebranding efforts serve as a platform to showcase the couple's charitable endeavors and to unify their family under the Sussex surname. Notably, the website refrains from using the term "royal," indicating a departure from their former royal ties.
In addition to their digital endeavors, Meghan Markle recently announced a new podcast deal with Lemonada Media following the conclusion of their previous agreement with Spotify. Meanwhile, the Sussexes have been photographed in Whistler, Vancouver, preparing for the upcoming Winter Invictus Games. Prince Harry was seen participating in sit-skiing, a form of skiing tailored for individuals who may require a wheelchair or have difficulty standing for extended periods.
