Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have changed the name of both of their children. 

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor were the original names of the two children of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Now, their names have been changed – and the reason behind it has divided opinion.

From palace life to California

The Duke and Duchess decided to step down as senior royals in 2020 and, in doing so, broke a major tradition.

The couple now spends most of their time in California, alongside their two children.

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor is their first child, born on May 6, 2019.

He was born at the Portland Hospital in London, weighing 7-lb 3oz, and became the seventh in line to the throne.

Prince Archie began his life in a more conventional royal fashion, meeting his great-grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, just two days after his birth in a major public event.

On June 4, 2021, Archie became a big brother.

Princess Lilibet, or Lili to those who know her, was born in the US and has been kept out of the public eye since birth.

Her name was chosen as a family tribute, as ‘Lillibet’ was Elizabeth’s childhood nickname.

Yet it’s now been confirmed that Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet’s names have been changed by their parents, and it’s all a part of the family’s mega rebrand, which many people aren’t happy about.

Part of a bigger rebrand

Most recently, the couple rebranded their website.

Sources tell the publication the Duke and Duchess want to bring all their projects – and children – under the same umbrella name and ‘unify’ the family.

Critics have argued that this blurs the line between rejecting royal life and monetizing royal connections. Meanwhile, supporters have said it offers the couple control over their own narrative for the first time.

Critics accuse Prince Harry and Markle of hypocrisy

The couple’s decision to change their children’s names, amongst other branding decisions, has led to criticism.

On social media, one person 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 mirrors a growing narrative in the US and UK media that, despite stepping away from royal duties, the couple remain closely tied to their royal identity.

It also comes amid claims and speculation that Prince William could one day move to strip the couple of their titles when he becomes king.

However, reaction has not been universally negative.

One supportive follower opined: “Good for them! Get out from under Britain’s oppression of the royals and THRIVE! I wish them all the best!!”

Another said: “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.”

The name change

The Times reports that Prince Harry and Markle’s children have been going by Archie and Lilibet Sussex, rather than Mountbatten-Windsor, since King Charles III‘s coronation.

Mountbatten-Windsor is the official surname used by male-line descendants of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.

It reflects the blending of the royal House of Windsor and Prince Philip’s Mountbatten lineage.

By contrast, ‘Sussex’ directly ties the children to their parents’ ducal title – one Prince Harry retained despite stepping back as a working royal.

Meanwhile, Markle confirmed she goes by Sussex on her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

On the lifestyle show, she spoke to actress and comedian Mindy Kaling and said: “It’s so funny too that you keep saying Meghan Markle.

“You know I’m Sussex now.”

She continued: “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.’”

The shift has therefore been interpreted as symbolic rather than purely practical.

An insider told The Times: “It represents their unification and it’s a proud moment.”