Harry and Meghan Change Both Their Children’s Names — Royal Watchers React with Surprise
In a move that has taken royal watchers and fans around the world by surprise, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially changed the names of both their children, Archie and Lilibet. The announcement came quietly, via a statement from the couple’s spokesperson, but the implications — and reactions — have been anything but subtle.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed that their son, originally named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, will now be known legally as Archie Harrison Sussex, while their daughter, previously Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, will go by Lili Diana Sussex.
“After thoughtful consideration and in light of their family’s evolving circumstances, the Duke and Duchess have chosen to simplify their children’s surnames to Sussex,” the statement read. “This decision reflects their desire for unity and consistency as a family, while embracing the identity they have established outside of royal convention.”
The change has sparked intense speculation about the couple’s intentions, particularly their relationship with the British royal family. Many see the decision as another step in Harry and Meghan’s ongoing effort to distance themselves from the monarchy and the expectations tied to the Windsor name.
“Removing ‘Mountbatten-Windsor’ isn’t just a paperwork detail — it’s symbolic,” said royal biographer Claudia Norrington. “It suggests a firm break from the institution, and perhaps a desire to craft an identity that feels wholly their own.”
Others see it less as a rejection of the royal family and more as a continuation of the Sussexes’ brand — one that has steadily grown since the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020. By adopting “Sussex” as a family surname, Harry and Meghan reinforce their role as a public-facing unit, with a distinct identity that resonates with supporters across the globe.
Online, reaction has been mixed. Supporters praise the couple for asserting autonomy and simplifying the lives of their children. “Let them live!” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “They’re just trying to protect their kids from the chaos that surrounds the royal name.”
Critics, however, see the move as another calculated attempt to stay in the headlines. “They say they want privacy, but every decision seems designed to stir controversy,” one royal commentator noted. “If they truly wanted to be left alone, why publicize something like this?”
It’s worth noting that both names now reflect how the couple has referred to their children in public. “Lili,” for instance, was the name used in Meghan’s podcast interviews and personal remarks, while “Archie Sussex” has appeared in informal family communications and interviews.
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the name change, maintaining its standard practice of not responding to personal decisions made by members of the royal family who are no longer senior working royals.
As for Archie and Lili, the shift likely means little now — but as they grow up, the choice to bear the Sussex surname instead of Mountbatten-Windsor may shape how they see themselves in relation to one of the most famous families in the world.
