From royal tradition to a new life in California
Prince Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior working royals in 2020, making the unprecedented decision to leave royal life behind and relocate to California.
Since then, the couple have built a new life in the US with their two children.
Their eldest, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was born on May 6, 2019, at London’s Portland Hospital, weighing 7lb 3oz. At the time of his birth, he was seventh in line to the British throne.
Like many royal babies before him, Archie was introduced to the public shortly after his arrival and met his great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, when he was just two days old.
On June 4, 2021, the family welcomed their second child, Princess Lilibet.
Known affectionately as Lili, she was born in California and has largely remained out of the public spotlight throughout her childhood.
Her first name was chosen as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, whose childhood nickname was Lilibet.
Now, however, the children’s names have been updated as part of what has been described as the Sussexes’ wider family rebrand.
Why the Sussexes’ latest branding move has sparked debate
The couple recently relaunched their website, with reports suggesting they want to bring all of their ventures under one unified family identity.
According to sources, the goal is to create consistency across their public projects while presenting themselves as a single family brand.
Not everyone has welcomed the move.
Some critics argue it contradicts the couple’s decision to step away from royal duties, claiming they continue to benefit from their royal connections despite distancing themselves from the monarchy.
Others, however, believe the rebrand allows Harry and Meghan to define their own identity outside the institution and take ownership of their family’s future.
Critics and supporters clash over the decision
The latest change has reignited strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
One social media user wrote: “Instead of rebranding, I would like to see them actually accomplish something. It’s all spin and rather sad.”
Another agreed: “For someone who wanted to get away from the royal family, he seems to want a foot in both camps.”
“This pair will do anything to be in the limelight, complete hypocrites. For a couple who wanted to be out of the media, they sure do a great job of staying in it,” remarked a third.
The criticism reflects ongoing commentary in both the US and UK suggesting the Sussexes continue to rely on their royal profile despite no longer carrying out official duties.
It also comes amid continued speculation that Prince William could seek to remove the couple’s royal titles when he eventually becomes king, although no such plans have been confirmed.
Supporters, meanwhile, have defended the family’s decision.
One person wrote: “Good for them! Get out from under Britain’s oppression of the royals and THRIVE! I wish them all the best!!”
Another commented: “What’s in a name? What’s in a title if it only brings misery in your life? They chose to live their life away from all the toxicity. That is their right.
“Wishing Harry and his family all the happiness in the world!!! God bless.”
Why Archie and Lilibet now go by new family names
According to The Times, Prince Harry and Meghan’s children have been using the names Archie Sussex and Lilibet Sussex since King Charles III’s coronation, rather than the surname Mountbatten-Windsor.
Mountbatten-Windsor is the official surname traditionally used by male-line descendants of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, combining the royal House of Windsor with Prince Philip’s Mountbatten family name.
Using Sussex instead instead connects the children directly to their parents’ ducal title, which Prince Harry retained after stepping back from life as a working royal.
Meghan also confirmed she now goes by Sussex during her 2025 Netflix series With Love, Meghan while speaking with actress and comedian Mindy Kaling.
She said: “It’s so funny too that you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now.”
She went on to explain: “You have kids and you go, ‘No, I should share my name with my children.’
“I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me, but it just means so much to go, ‘This is our family name, our little family name.’”