Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, along with their two children, have made a significant shift in tradition by adopting the surname Sussex.
This decision deviates from a longstanding 64-year-old convention. Originally, Archie and Liet were bestowed with the surname Mountbatten-Windsor at birth, a combination of their family lineage. However, following the coronation of their grandfather, King Charles, they have now assumed the name Sussex, aligning with their parents' titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The surname Mountbatten-Windsor originated in 1960, designated for all future male heirs of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. This amalgamation of their family names, Harry and Meghan, initially stirred controversy. Observers, including BBC correspondent Michael Cole, labeled it as nonsensical. He remarked that the change from Mountbatten-Windsor to Sussex reflected a desire for autonomy from royal lineage, particularly evident in the couple's relocation to California.
The evolution of royal surnames dates back to King George V's transformation of the family name from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor in 1917. This alteration was propelled by the late Duke of Edinburgh's persistent advocacy for the inclusion of his own surname, Mountbatten, alongside Windsor. Eventually, Queen Elizabeth II conceded, resulting in the dual-barreled surname Mountbatten-Windsor.
Contrary to popular belief, the adoption of the surname Sussex by Harry and Meghan's children doesn't adhere to royal protocols. Instead, it reflects a personal choice, one that diverges from the established lineage. While Archie and Liet opt for Sussex, their cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, utilize the surname Cambridge, in line with their parents' titles as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Lady Louise Windsor remains an exception, holding onto the distinctive honor of the Mountbatten-Windsor name, a tribute to her late grandfather, Prince Philip.
Rumors circulate about Prince Harry's request to reclaim his title, possibly proposing Lady Louise Windsor as the new Duchess of Sussex. This purported decision, made in consultation with Princess Anne and Prince William, aims to rejuvenate the reputation of the Sussex brand. If realized, Lady Louise will inherit the responsibilities formerly held by Harry and Meghan Markle, assuming her new role in March 2024.
