Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially changed the names of both their children — Archie Harrison and Lilibet Diana — in a move that has sparked debate among royal watchers.
Archie, born in London on May 6, 2019, and Lilibet, born in California on June 4, 2021, were originally registered with the surname Mountbatten-Windsor. But since King Charles III’s coronation, the Sussex children have instead been going by Archie Sussex and Lilibet Sussex.
The change reflects what insiders describe as part of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wider “mega rebrand.” Earlier this year, the couple launched their newly redesigned website, Sussex.com, where the shift in their children’s names is also visible.
According to The Times, Harry and Meghan want to bring all their projects — and their family — under one unified identity. “It represents their unification and it’s a proud moment,” one insider told the outlet.
The decision, however, has divided opinion.
Critics argue the couple, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 to build an independent life in California, are trying to distance themselves from the monarchy while still keeping a royal connection. “Instead of rebranding, I would like to see them actually accomplish something. It’s all spin and rather sad,” one person wrote. Another commented, “This pair will do anything to be in the limelight. For a couple who wanted to be out of the media, they sure do a great job of staying in it.”
Supporters, on the other hand, praised the move as a healthy break from tradition. “Good for them! Get out from under Britain’s oppression of the royals and thrive,” one admirer shared. Another added: “What’s in a name if it only brings misery? They chose to live their life away from the toxicity. Wishing Harry and his family all the happiness in the world.”
For Archie and Lilibet, the change may seem small — but symbolically, it marks a striking new chapter for the Sussexes, one in which their family identity stands apart from the institution they left behind.