Harry & Meghan Slam Critics Over Use Of Royal Titles On New Website: 'It Is Their Surname!'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently launched a new website that prominently features their royal titles and coat of arms, fuelling speculations that they're trying to resurrect their media careers.

However, what raised eyebrows is the notable absence of any direct reference to their roles within the monarchy. Critics said they may run into trouble with the monarchy, with some claiming the site could be shut down.

A source close to the Sussexes has now hit back at naysayers, stating that Sussex is "their surname."

According to the Daily Mail, a source close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has seemingly objected to the public disapproval following the launch of their new website, Sussex.com.

The new homepage for "The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex," which was launched without any media buzz or announcement, prompted speculations that they're trying to resurrect their media career after enduring quite a challenging 2023.

The move drew backlash from many quarters as critics argued that they shouldn't use their royal titles since they stepped back from their roles as senior royals, but a source close to the pair has now hit back, defending the use of their titles.

The source told the news outlet, "Prince Harry and Meghan are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. That is a fact. It is their surname and family name."

While the website provides details about them and their activities, including sections dedicated to both their biographies, there is a distinct lack of the phrase "serving the monarchy," which was prominent on their previous website, SussexRoyal.com.

The move has drawn complaints from different quarters as sources say Buckingham Palace will not be comfortable with their initiative. Also, allegations about them launching the site for commercial purposes are rife, as an insider told the news outlet Harry and Meghan 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," the insider said.

On the website, Harry is described as a "humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate, and environmental campaigner," while Meghan is hailed as a "feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity."

In addition to their newly launched site, the couple also have websites for Archewell Productions (archewellproductions.com) and Archewell Foundation (archewell.org). The former Archewell.com website now redirects viewers to Sussex.com.

The royal couple's website launch comes as Harry gets set to launch the Invictus Games tomorrow in Canada. The event, which will be held between Wednesday and Friday, seeks to create awareness for the 2025 Invictus Games, which will take place between February 8 and February 16 next year.

During their time there, they will meet with participants in the nation's Winter Training Camp, including team managers, coaches, and competitors.

The Duke previously described how much of a connection he shares with Canada, noting that he and his wife "could imagine spending the rest of our lives there." Meghan has also expressed love for the count,ry having lived in Toronto while filming "Suits."

In his 2023 memoir "Spare," Harry wrote that Vancouver gave him a "taste of freedom" and wondered what it would be like having that experience year in, year out.

"What if life could be like that … all the time?" he wrote. "What if we could spend at least part of each year somewhere far away, still doing work for the Queen, but beyond the reach of the press?"

"If we could just find a place the press didn't know about, we said, Canada might be the answer. Meg got in touch with a Vancouver friend, who connected us with an estate agent, and we started looking at houses," Harry added.

The Duke of Sussex recently made a quick dash from Los Angeles last week to visit his ailing father, King Charles, after he was diagnosed with cancer.

He arrived in the U.K. last Tuesday and headed straight to Clarence House, where Charles and Queen Camilla live. He reportedly stayed in a hotel as he and Meghan already vacated their Frogmore Cottage home in Windsor last March after stepping back from their royal roles in 2020 and moving to the U.S.

According to reports, Harry didn't meet with his brother, Prince William, although a source noted that he would have "gladly accepted" the chance to reunite with the Prince of Wales if the opportunity had risen. Another source said that his travel to the U.K. was not to "act as some kind of vehicle for reconciliation."

He left the country about 24 hours later and headed to the U.S., where he lives with Meghan and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.