Last night it was reported that Prince Harry and Meghan have adopted the Sussex title as a surname for their children in a bid to “unify” their family.
Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, have been known as Archie Sussex and Lilibet Sussex rather than Mountbatten-Windsor since King Charles' coronation last May, a source told The Times.
The revelation comes amid an ongoing row over the Duke and Duchess's rebranded “royal” website Sussex.com – complete with Meghan's coat of arms – which critics say is a breach of their promise to the late queen as she acrimoniously leaves the royal front withdrawn tasks.
Sources said the relaunch was an attempt to unite the projects of Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, as well as their two children, under the same overall website.
The use of Sussex is believed to be consistent with how Harry was known as Captain Wales during his time in the army.
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (pictured) with their son Archie and daughter Lilibet
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in September 2023. The photo now appears on the sussex.com homepage
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistlers 2025 One Year To Go winter training camp
Meghan beamed as she filmed Harry with a ski instructor in Canada yesterday
The couple looked happy as they arrived in Whistler to take part in the Invictus Games' One Year To Go event
Meghan dressed warmly, opting for fluffy snow boots and a beige puffer coat
The Sussexes (pictured in Canada yesterday) are said to be determined not to repeat Harry's apparent experiences raising Lilibet
Archewell, the umbrella site for their philanthropic and commercial work, combines the Greek words “ark” and “well” and is named after the couple’s eldest son.
Prince Harry has repeatedly complained about his childhood and his treatment as a “surrogate heir,” his brother Prince William, including in his controversial memoir “Spare.”
The Sussexes are said to be determined not to repeat Harry's apparent experiences raising Lilibet.
A source told The Times: “The reality behind the new website is very simple – it is a hub for the Sussexes' work and reflects the fact that the family shares the same surname for the first time since the King's coronation.” This is a big deal for every family. It represents their union and it’s a proud moment.”
A representative for the Duke and Duchess has been contacted for comment.
But a source close to the couple previously defended the use of their royal titles on their new websites, saying: “Prince Harry and Meghan are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.” That is a fact. It is her last name and family name.'
On Monday, the Archewell website – the umbrella site for its philanthropic and commercial work – was replaced with “sussex.com” and a new homepage titled “The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
The Sussexes dressed warmly for their trip to the snowy landscapes of Canada
The couple replaced their Archewell website with a website called Sussex.com, which contains their biographies and lists their recent activities.
Prince Harry and Meghan after a boat trip during the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023
Yesterday there was a glowing report from Meghan about the Canadian agency behind her rebrand.
In a statement to Article, the agency that built Meghan's new, defunct lifestyle blog The Tig along with the couple's Archewell website and now Sussex.com, the duchess said: “There's a reason I'm with Ryan and the talented team have worked together for a decade: their attention to detail, creativity and care, and thoughtful approach to design and user experience.
“They’re not just designers; They are collaborators who transform your ideas into visual identities. You are a very special company. Plus they’re Canadian, so I’m a fan.”
Meghan lived in Toronto while filming the TV legal drama Suits, in which she appeared in seven series from 2011. Harry and Meghan also made their first public appearance as a couple at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017.
They also have close ties to Canada, having previously stayed at the luxury villa Mille Fleurs on Vancouver Island after quitting royal life before moving to California when the Covid pandemic broke out.
Meghan Markle can be seen recording her Spotify podcast, which launched in August 2022
Misan Harriman and Meghan Markle are seen at an event in Montecito on November 15, 2023
The excitement over the site followed her posting a new photo of herself wearing Princess Diana's Cartier watch while announcing a new podcast deal with Lemonada Media.
The portrait photo was taken by the couple's friend Misan Harriman and shows Meghan wearing her late mother-in-law's £17,800 gold watch, along with a £5,000 Cartier Love bracelet – reportedly a gift from Harry the early days of their relationship.
The Sussexes flew to Canada on a private jet yesterday to promote next year's Invictus Games.
They landed in Vancouver for three days of events related to the competition launched by the prince in 2014 to help injured veterans and service members.
A winter edition of the Invictus Games starts next February in Whistler and Vancouver – with more than 500 participants from 20 nations – with additional disciplines including wheelchair curling, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and skeleton.
The pair were due to meet their rivals at a training camp in Whistler for two days before Harry was due to speak in Vancouver tomorrow (Friday).
Last week Harry made a quick visit to London to visit his father following his cancer diagnosis. He held a 45-minute meeting with the king at Clarence House before returning to LA 26 hours later.