Harry & Meghan change their surname

[Gottseidank]

… from Mountbatten-Windsor to ‘Sussex’.
Apparently it’s to strengthen their brand.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/prince-harry-meghan-sussex-archie-lilibet-children-name-royal-title-cnvf7d9jf

Another point about how this "male line" business creates odd situations is that George VI had to issue special Letters Patent so that Charles and Anne when born would be HRH Prince/Princess. Otherwise, they would only have had titles from their father. They would have been the Earl of Merioneth and Lady Anne Mountbatten until Elizabeth succeeded.

Titles are not recognised or used in the US, and you need a surname for official documentation - passports and social security numbers primarily.

They might all have to do an official change of surname if they're now officially switching to Sussex, and they'll all need updated official documentation of the name change.

They did have titles but their parents chose not to use them. When HMQEII died then Archie and Lilibet became prince & princess.

The State of California allowed Harry to use his titles on Lilibet's birth certificate. His first name is listed as "The Duke of Sussex" and his last name is listed as "His Royal Highness."

The best bit though is occupation "Prince" 😂

It is true. They automatically have the titles as male line grandchildren of the monarch.

Edward’s children have the titles and can choose to use them as adults - as confirmed by their mother. Their parents chose to style them as children of an Earl instead.

Anne’s children aren’t grandchildren of the male line so no titles can be passed automatically from her to them.

That's on Archie's birth certificate. There is no occupation listed on the California one.

Harry is Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel.

Yes, so Archie is entitled to use Harry's subsidiary title. Dumbarton.

Not sure what the fuss is about? They've been regularly referred to as the Sussexes?

The names, the titles all used for loyalty and bribery to ensure compliance. Charles did see this happening and has made efforts to streamline, I just don’t think he envisaged his son being the one in the modern climate. The question is will William be willing to make title changes for the future generation, if you can make more money selling your royalty then why stay.

and?

@Vespanest I think your last sentence is really important. If the British public see more royals using their titles to make money without any public service in the future, how will that affect their opinion of the monarchy and how will it affect the longevity of the monarchy? I feel Charles doesn't have an appetite to get tough with H. William will have to be very careful in how he handles his own children to make sure he is not in the same position.

It is standard RF process - W&K's children are now 'Wales' not 'Cambridge'.

You know, the toxic, racist RF, who use the Commonwealth as Empire 2.0.

Thank goodness H&M are setting an example and doing things differently.

Anyone need a new Royal name?

Yeah everyone is free to choose their pass time. Still irrelevant info. My pass time very often is Candycrush and the thing is such a time waster but I still do it.

Now seriously, it would be great if we stopped seriously caring about medieval titles and their significance - just a bunch of privileged people generally trying to cling on to an old system that does not rule anymore. Don't have a problem as pass time though.

M&H are now arguing with some of the coverage… they have a pathological need to get the last word

The coverage?

They did have a Valentines meal with Meghan in high heels hanging on to Harry because of the snow.😄

Yeah that's why they value the title too - just goes to the next generation - like if they would do anything in the future to be recognised by anyone like that. It's all nonsense. You just get it from Daddy. Who it turn got it for what, getting married?? They don't do OBEs hereditary right, you know it is meant to be based on merit. I personally would not be proud at all of any hereditary garbage I used that I did not deserve.

Can anyone tell me why Meghan would have a bar code on her phone? What is this? I'm nosy.

Well said.

I've never actually heard them talk about equality. They talk about ensuring people have opportunities and helping people who struggle etc sure. But they're not all banging on about equality.

It wasn’t her phone. She used the phone of a guy she was talking to to take a photo of Harry in the seated ski-ing kit.

The bar code is on a card in the little pocket is it not?