Why Archie and Lilibet’s Last Name Changed Again

Royal names and titles can seem confusing to those outside palace walls. Unlike most families, where surnames are passed down and rarely change, the names of royal children often shift depending on titles, status, or even changes in the line of succession.

What might feel like a simple administrative matter for others becomes a symbol of identity and tradition for Britain’s most famous family. When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison, in May 2019, his surname on the birth certificate was listed as Mountbatten-Windsor.

This is the name traditionally used for descendants of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip when they do not have another territorial designation attached to them. His younger sister, Lilibet Diana, who was christened in March 2023, was also given this surname at birth.

For a time, Archie and Lilibet were known simply as Mountbatten-Windsors. But as the monarchy shifted after Queen Elizabeth’s passing in September 2022, their names changed too.

Today, the children are officially Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. The adjustment may look small on paper, but it carries centuries of royal tradition behind it.

Harry and Meghan themselves went through similar changes. Before his marriage, Harry often used “Wales” as a surname, since his father, then Prince Charles, was the Prince of Wales. That’s why, during his military career, Harry was known as Captain Harry Wales.

Harry and Meghan adopted the Sussex title and name following their royal marriage in 2018.

Everything shifted in 2018 when he married Meghan Markle. On that day, Queen Elizabeth II granted him the title of Duke of Sussex, and Meghan became the Duchess of Sussex. Meghan also chose to adopt “Sussex” as her family name, aligning with her husband’s title.

This practice is not unusual in royal circles. Prince William and Catherine, for example, became the Prince and Princess of Wales when Charles ascended the throne. Their children now use “Wales” as their last name in school and other settings: George Wales, Charlotte Wales, and Louis Wales.

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The bigger shake-up came with the Queen’s death. Charles became King Charles III, which, in turn, pushed William up to heir apparent. As everyone else moved up one spot in the succession, Archie and Lilibet also shifted.

This gave them the right to use the titles Prince and Princess under rules set down decades earlier. Buckingham Palace confirmed their updated titles, and Meghan herself emphasized how meaningful the change felt for her family.

Understanding Royal Name Changes

Royal names often reflect history, status, and tradition, which can confuse outsiders. Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist, emphasizes that the implications of a name can shape identity and self-esteem in children. He notes that a name represents more than just a label; it carries weight in terms of familial expectations and societal perception.

For children like Archie and Lilibet, the evolution of their surname can create feelings of ambiguity or pressure. Open conversations about their names can help them navigate these complexities.

Meghan explains why using “Sussex” as her children’s surname became deeply meaningful after motherhood.

Speaking on her Netflix series, Love Meghan, she explained the personal significance behind adopting “Sussex” as the surname for her children. The topic came up after actress Mindy Kaling jokingly referred to her as “Meghan Markle.” Meghan laughed and clarified:

“It’s so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle; you know I’m Sussex now. You have kids, and you go, ‘No, I share my name with my children.’”

She went on to explain that what at first might have seemed like a symbolic detail took on deeper importance after becoming a mother.

“I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me,” she said. “But it just means so much to go, ‘This is OUR family name. Our little family name.’”Instagram

That sense of unity is something she clearly values, especially after stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020. While Harry and Meghan retained their Sussex titles, their relationship with the institution has been complicated.

Still, this change in names for their children represents both tradition and personal choice—balancing the expectations of monarchy with the reality of their own lives in California. Today, their children’s official names are Archie Harrison, Prince of Sussex, and Lilibet Diana, Princess of Sussex.

To the outside world, it might feel like just another round of title adjustments. But to Harry and Meghan, it is one more way to draw a circle around their family and establish a shared identity, even as their role in the monarchy evolves.

Traditionally, royal children use surnames from their family lineage, but they can also adopt titles based on the circumstances surrounding their birth or upbringing. A family history expert explains that such changes are often tied to the monarchy's shifting dynamics and public perception. These transitions can be beneficial, allowing children to forge their identities while acknowledging their heritage.

To manage this complexity, experts recommend fostering a strong sense of belonging and identity. Families can create narratives around these changes, encouraging children to embrace their unique position within the royal lineage.

Analysis & Recommendations

The evolving surnames of Archie and Lilibet highlight the intricate relationship between royal tradition and personal identity. Experts suggest that families should approach discussions about names with openness and sensitivity, which can lead to healthier self-perceptions for children. By normalizing the conversation around identity and belonging, parents can help their kids navigate potential confusion and reinforce their sense of self.

Ultimately, fostering an understanding of their heritage while embracing their individual narratives will empower them to thrive in both personal and public spheres.