Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have come under fierce criticism for launching a new website using their Sussex title and royal crest.
They launched the site last night, prompting critics to accuse them of continuing to cash in on their royal links four years after they stood down as senior working royals.
But a source close to the couple has leaped to their defence, and plainly stated that « Sussex is their name ».
They told the Mail: « Prince Harry and Meghan are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. That is a fact. It is their surname and family name. »
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex found themselves at the centre of a row after their website went live yesterday evening.
The new website features glowing biographies for Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, as well as the latest news about the pair, including attendance at events.
On Harry’s page, he is described as a « humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate and environmental campaigner ».
Whereas, Meghan, is hailed as a « feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity ».
Sussex.com is mainly minimalistic by design and on the landing page, it features just one large photograph of the couple on the home page.
The photo was taken during the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games, last year in Germany at Merkur Spiel-Arena on September 16, 2023
Meghan’s biography refers to her advocacy work, her career in the entertainment industry as a lead role in the TV series ‘Suits’ and as a NY Times bestselling author of children’s book ‘The Bench’.
On the other hand, Harry’s biography references his 10-years served in the British Armed Forces and as a New York Times bestselling author of Spare, « a memoir of his life told with compassion, vulnerability and unflinching honesty ».
Referring to the Archewell Foundation set up in April 2020, it says he co-founded this alongside Meghan « to serve communities in need », adding: « The Duke and Duchess are committed to their mission: Show Up, Do Good. »
This comes as others are cautious that the new website could provoke complaints from the Palace. One source speaking to the Daily Mail said: « They are going to have real trouble with the use of Sussex. It is a royal title and if there is any hint of commercialism about this it will be shut down. It’s just staggering they cannot see how gauche it is. »
It is thought the Duke and Duchess will use the site to share their personal and official updates with fans.
In a collation of websites for the California-based duo, the couple also have websites for Archewell Productions (archewellproductions.com) and Archewell Foundation (archewell.org). The former Archewell.com website now redirects to Sussex.com.
The launch comes ahead of the couple’s trip to Canada for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025’s One Year to Go celebrations, which they are expected to attend from Valentine’s Day until February 16.
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