Behind Palace Doors: The Quiet Shift in Archie and Lilibet’s Royal Identity
A subtle but significant change is unfolding within the royal family—one that may have escaped public attention but speaks volumes about the evolving identity of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children.
For years, Archie and Lilibet carried the official surname Mountbatten-Windsor, linking them to the traditional royal lineage. Now, new whispers and revelations hint at a shift in their titles and family name, suggesting a nuanced redefinition of their place within the monarchy. And intriguingly, Meghan herself dropped a hint about this change in her Netflix series.
When Archie Harrison was born in May 2019, the couple officially registered his surname as Mountbatten-Windsor, the name traditionally used by members of the royal family when a last name is needed. Lilibet Diana followed suit when she was born in June 2021 and privately christened in early 2023, also using the Mountbatten-Windsor surname, as Vogue reported.
But recent developments have altered this status quo. Both children now hold the formal titles of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, accompanied by a shift in surname—a direct consequence of the changes in the royal succession following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
Although Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior royal roles in 2020, they retained their Suss*x titles. Royal surnames, unlike typical last names, often reflect current ranks and titles. For example, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children carry the suffix “Wales” following William’s elevation to Prince of Wales.
Prior to marrying Meghan, Harry’s official surname was also Wales, but on his wedding day in May 2018, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed upon him the dukedom of Suss*x. Meghan adopted “Suss*x” as their family surname thereafter.
The monarch’s death on September 8, 2022, brought a reshuffling of royal positions. With Charles now King Charles III, William became the heir apparent, moving Harry and his family up the line of succession. This progression allowed Archie and Lilibet to officially assume their princely titles, while also enabling a change in their surname—from Mountbatten-Windsor to Suss*x.
Meghan revealed this change during her Netflix show Love Meghan, in a candid exchange with actress Mindy Kaling. When Mindy addressed her by her maiden name, Meghan corrected her warmly: “It’s funny you keep saying Meghan Markle. I’m Suss*x now. You have kids, and you share your name with them. I didn’t realize how meaningful it would feel, but it truly matters—it’s our little family name.” Mindy’s heartfelt response, “Well, now I know, and I love it,” underscored the importance of this shift.
Conclusion
What might seem like a minor change in surname is, in fact, a meaningful symbol of Harry and Meghan’s intent to define their own royal identity. The move from Mountbatten-Windsor to Suss*x reflects a delicate balance of tradition, title, and personal family significance. It reveals a family crafting their legacy on their own terms, blending royal heritage with their unique story—a subtle but powerful evolution inside the centuries-old monarchy.