Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet change their surname in a break with tradition

It was announced this week that a change is coming for two royal descendants of Queen Elizabeth II. According to The Mirror, Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet will no longer bear the surname of Mountbatten-Windsor. This breaks with a tradition established in 1960, when the Privy Council designated that the queen's descendants would carry on that surname. It originates from the maiden name of Prince Phillip, Mountbatten, and the Windsor surname first used by King George V and was publicly used on the occasion of the birth of Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor in 2003.

What's in the name?

A new website for Prince Harry and Meghan, www.sussex.com, was launched earlier this year. While their Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions sites are part of the landing page, the Sussex website is now internet home of "The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex." Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the dukedom of Sussex, a title that had lapsed since 1843, upon Prince Harry just prior to his 2018 wedding to Meghan Markle

Archie and Lillibet will now go by the surname of Sussex. It is an unusual choice, but in character for the couple who stepped away from life as working royals and made their new home in California where they have worked to be financially indpendent of the Royal Family.

The article goes on to quote a remark made to The Times regarding the choice:

"The reality behind the new site is very simple - it's a hub for the work the Sussexes do and it reflects the fact the family have, since the King's coronation, the same surname for the first time. That's a big deal for any family. It represents their unification and it's a proud moment."

- Source quoted by Lucy Robinson.

The children were originally not given royal titles because they were not grandchildren of the monarch, but they were designated as Prince and Princess in March 2023 after the passing of the queen. The Royal.UK website lists Prince Archie and Prince Lillibet as seventh and eighth in line for the throne respectively.