Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are finding new ways to unify their family unit. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have adopted the Sussex name as their family’s new last name, giving it to their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Previously, the children had the last name Mountbatten-Windsor. The adoption of the name Sussex creates their own family unit separate from the royal family and comes the same week they launched their new website, Sussex.com.
More from CafeMom: Prince Harry Could Be 'Tainting' Meghan Markle's Brand as She Plans Her Comeback
It's not a new idea — Harry & Meghan are just making it official.
The Times of London reported on the name change. Although it may seem to come out of nowhere, a source told the news outlet that the kids have actually been referred to by the name since King Charles’ May 2023 coronation. The source added that giving them the name is no different than when Prince Harry was referred to as Captain Wales during his time in the military.
The name change comes hot on the heels of the announcement of the couple’s new website.
"The reality behind the new site is very simple — it’s a hub for the work the Sussexes do and it reflects the fact the family have, since the king’s coronation, the same surname for the first time," the source said. "That’s a big deal for any family. It represents their unification and it’s a proud moment."
They're determined to make their family unit inclusive across their branding.
On the site, their official titles are used, as well as their coat of arms. Insiders shared that because their initial foundation and production company are named Archewell after son Archie, they wanted to use their Sussex website and branding to be more inclusive of their daughter, Lilibet.
More from CafeMom: Prince Harry Talks About Meghan Markle in New Interview & Admits That She ‘Saved’ Him
People are mad about the use of the name Sussex at all.
Many critics slammed Harry and Meghan for the use of their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as well as the coat of arms, claiming they were still trying to profit off of their proximity to the royal family.
A source close to the couple defended their choice, however, telling the Daily Mail, "Prince Harry and Meghan are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. That is a fact. It is their surname and family name."
The royal family doesn't really mind any of this.
As for the coat of arms, a different insider told the Times of London, "There certainly hasn’t been any problem raised about the use of a coat of arms by anyone at the royal household — why would they object when it’s perfectly normal and is pretty routine?"
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
