The Royal Tradition of Surnames: A Journey Through the Lives of Prince William and Prince Harry

Before Marriage: The Wales Years

The British royal family has long adhered to a unique tradition when it comes to surnames. Unlike the rest of us, high-ranking royals often go without a last name, especially when they hold the prestigious title of "His Royal Highness" (HRH). This was certainly the case for princes William and Harry, whose birth certificates famously omitted a surname. Instead, the brothers initially used the name "Wales" as their last name—an homage to their father, King Charles III, who was then known as the Prince of Wales.

This practice became evident during their early 20s, when both princes served in the military. In 2009, a photo captured the two brothers wearing name tags that read "William Wales" and "Harry Wales," showcasing the moniker they used during that time. The use of "Wales" was not only a nod to their father but also a reflection of their connection to the lineage of their grandparents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. As male descendants of the late monarchs, they occasionally also used the Mountbatten-Windsor surname, a hyphenated combination of their grandmother’s Anglicized family name and their grandfather’s adopted surname.

Yet, the name "Wales" held special significance for the brothers, as it tied them directly to their father’s title. This tradition continued until their marriages, when their surnames would officially reflect their new titles as dukes.

The Shift to Dukedoms: William and Cambridge, Harry and Sussex

In 2011, Prince William’s life took a significant turn when he married Catherine Middleton. On their wedding day, William was bestowed the title of the Duke of Cambridge, making him officially known as William Cambridge. However, this was not the end of the "Wales" surname for the prince. Over a decade later, when his father ascended to the throne in 2022 following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, William inherited the title of Prince of Wales. As a result, he and his children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—began using the Wales surname once again.

Similarly, Prince Harry’s life changed in 2018 when he married Meghan Markle. Upon their marriage, Harry was granted the title of the Duke of Sussex, making him Harry Sussex. This title became not only his official name but also the surname for his children, Archie and Lilibet. Despite their decision to step back from their royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan were allowed to retain the Sussex name, provided it was not used for official royal business.

The use of dukedoms as surnames is a long-standing tradition in the royal family, reflecting the titles bestowed upon members upon marriage or inheritance. For both William and Harry, their surnames became deeply tied to their new roles as husbands and fathers, as well as their positions within the monarchy.

The Mountbatten-Windsor Legacy: A Royal Family Name

The Mountbatten-Windsor surname holds a unique place in royal history. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, decided that their descendants who did not hold the titles of prince or princess—or the "His/Her Royal Highness" (HRH) designation—would use the hyphenated surname Mountbatten-Windsor. This name combined Philip’s adopted surname, Mountbarten, with Elizabeth’s family name, Windsor.

This rule became relevant for Archie and Lilibet, the children of Harry and Meghan. Initially, Archie and Lilibet bore the Mountbatten-Windsor name, as they were not initially granted HRH titles. However, this changed when King Charles ascended to the throne in 2022. Following the accession, Archie and Lilibet became entitled to the HRH titles and were styled as Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. As a result, they followed the tradition of using their parents’ dukedom title as their surname, making them the Sussexes.

This shift in naming marked an important milestone for the young family, as they officially joined the ranks of their cousins, who also use their parents’ dukedom titles as surnames.

The Sussex Name: A Symbol of Identity and Unity

The decision to retain the Sussex surname has been a meaningful one for Harry and Meghan. Despite their step back from active royal duties, the couple has chosen to hold onto the name that unites their family. In her Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," the Duchess of Sussex explained the significance of sharing a surname with her children. "You have kids and you go, ‘No, I share my name with my children,’” she said. "It just means so much to go, ‘This is our family name, our little family name.’"

This sentiment was echoed in an interview with People magazine, where Meghan described the Sussex name as a key part of their "love story." "I love that Archie, Lili, Harry, and I all have that together," she said. "It means a lot to me." For Meghan, the surname Sussex represents more than just a title; it symbolizes unity, identity, and a shared sense of belonging.

This decision has not been without controversy, as some critics have questioned their continued use of the Sussex name outside of royal duties. However, the couple has made it clear that the name holds deep personal significance, transcending its official associations.

The Children’s Names: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The naming of Archie and Lilibet has been a fascinating blend of royal tradition and modern parental choice. When Archie was born in 2019, he was initially known as Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, following the 1960 rule established by his great-grandparents. However, after King Charles ascended to the throne, Archie and Lilibet became eligible for HRH titles and officially became Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.

As a result, they joined their cousins—George, Charlotte, and Louis—in using their parents’ dukedom titles as their surnames. Today, Archie and Lilibet are styled as the Sussexes, reflecting their connection to their parents’ titles and their place within the monarchy.

The decision to adopt the Sussex name has been especially important to Meghan, who has emphasized the emotional significance of sharing a surname with her children. For the Sussexes, this choice represents a balance between honoring royal traditions while also forging their own path as a modern family.

The Personal Meaning Behind Royal Surnames

At the heart of the story of royal surnames lies a deeply personal journey of identity, family, and tradition. For Prince William and Prince Harry, their surnames have reflected their evolving roles within the monarchy, their marriages, and the births of their children. From "Wales" to "Cambridge" and "Sussex," their names have served as a living history of their lives and their connection to their lineage.

For Meghan Markle, the Sussex name has become a symbol of unity and belonging for her family. In an era where the monarchy is navigating modernity and tradition, the Sussexes’ choice to retain their surname embodie