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.
But now their names have been changed for a rather disputed reason…
Prince Harry and Markle are undoubtedly the two most controversial royal family members.
The duke and duchess decided to step down as senior royals in 2020 and broke major tradition. The couple now spend 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 7lb 3oz, and became the seventh in line to the throne.
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.
The child now lives in Montecito, California, where he enjoys a normal(ish) life.
On June 4, 2021, Archie became a big brother.
Lilibet, or Lili to those who know her, was born in the U.S. 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 Archie and 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.
One person writes: “Instead of rebranding, I would like to see them actually accomplish something. It’s all spin and rather sad.”
Another agrees: “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,” adds a third.
However, some are a little more happy about the decision.
One supportive follower opines: “Good for them! Get out from under Britain’s oppression of the royals and THRIVE! I wish them all the best!!”
Another adds: “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 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.
Most recently, the couple rebranded their website to Sussex.com.
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.
An insider tells The Times: “It represents their unification and it’s a proud moment.”