**Royal Family Shakeup: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Children Adopt New Surname**

In a significant departure from tradition, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have decided to have their two children known by the surname Sussex.

This move marks a break from a long-standing 64-year-old convention.

Originally, Archie and Lilibet were bestowed with the surname Mountbatten-Windsor at birth.

However, following the coronation of their grandfather King Charles, they now bear the surname Sussex in alignment with their parents' Duke and Duchess titles.

The surname Mountbatten-Windsor, a combination of the family names of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, was established in 1960 for all future male heirs.

The decision by Harry and Meghan to switch their children's surnames to Sussex has sparked controversy.

BBC Royal correspondent Michael Cole expressed his disbelief at the alteration, labeling it as nonsensical and attributing it to the couple's residence in California.

Delving into the history of royal surnames, Cole highlighted that the original family name was Saxe-Coburg-Gotha until King George V altered it to Windsor in 1917.

Prince Philip advocated for the adoption of the name Mountbatten-Windsor for his descendants, emphasizing his desire to pass on his own name to his children.

Eventually, Queen Elizabeth II acquiesced to the change.

Notably, the Princess Royal's passport bears the name Anne Mountbatten-Windsor, while Harry's would read Henry Batten-Windsor, reflecting their royal statuses.

The expert emphasized the legal constraints surrounding the use of royal titles and names, debunking the notion that Sussex could serve as the surname for Harry and Meghan's children.

With Archie and Lilibet's transition, Lady Louise-Windsor stands as the sole bearer of the Mountbatten-Windsor name.

This adjustment aligns with the naming conventions of their cousins, Prince George, Charlotte, and Louis, who previously utilized the surname Cambridge and now use Wales.

The incorporation of the Mountbatten name into the royal family's surname held immense significance for Prince Philip.

The decision in 1960 allowed descendants without princely titles to use Mountbatten-Windsor as a surname.

Lady Louise's retention of the Mountbatten-Windsor name pays homage to her close relationship with Prince Philip, symbolizing a poignant tribute to him.

Speculation swirls regarding King Charles's alleged dismissal of Prince Harry's request to reclaim his title, with reports suggesting that Lady Louise Windsor may assume the role of Duchess of Sussex.

This strategic move aims to restore the reputation of the Sussex brand and has been endorsed after consultations with Princess Anne and Prince William.

Lady Louise is poised to undertake the duties previously held by Harry and Meghan, commencing her new role in March 2024.