After stepping away from their royal roles, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle faced a significant shift in identity. At Queen Elizabeth’s request, they stopped using the “Sussex Royal” brand they initially launched on Instagram and their website. Following the birth of their son, Archie, the couple transitioned to “Archewell” as the name for their charitable foundation and media ventures.
In the wake of King Charles’ coronation — and after Archie and Lilibet were formally recognized as Prince and Princess — Harry and Meghan made another bold move: they officially adopted “Sussex” as the family surname for their children, replacing the traditional Mountbatten-Windsor.
The change has been deeply personal for Meghan. During a recent conversation with actress Mindy Kaling, she gently corrected her for calling her “Meghan Markle,” saying, “I’m Sussex now,” and expressing how much it means to her to share a single, unified family name with Archie and Lilibet.
However, the decision has not come without backlash. Critics accuse the couple of trying to have it both ways — seeking the spotlight while simultaneously distancing themselves from the royal institution they left behind.
