22 February 2024 , 10:48
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Meghan Markle had a clear message to send with the unveiling of Sussex.com, a royal expert has claimed.
The Duchess and her husband Prince Harry surprised their fans last week with the launch of their website - which included some very telling changes.
A picture of the pair dominates the main web page, overlaid with the text: "The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan, The Duke & Duchess of Sussex". And they used a brand new logo, changing from a calligraphed H&M to their coat of arms, which was designed for their wedding.
It's been widely reported that the couple are now using the surname Sussex - as are their children, Archie and Lilibet, who previously went by Mountbatten-Windsor. It was an intentional move, according to Jennie Bond, who thinks it points to Meghan's hopes for the future.
“I think it's a fresh start for Meghan and the children, and sends out the message that they are a strong, close-knit family," she told OK magazine. "They've come under so much criticism but this is her hitting back, making everyone know they are stronger than ever."
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She added: "It's a further declaration of their independence, and there's nothing wrong with that. But it still seems to me that there is an internal conflict going on. They want separation from the royal family and yet they want titles for themselves and their children."
Harry and Meghan certainly raised eyebrows with the website launch. One of the main criticisms being aimed at the pair is that they have used the rebrand to emphasise their royal status - while also failing to make any mention of the royal family.
The official biography for Harry references his two tours of duty in Afghanistan and his role setting up the Invictus Games Foundation, as well as him being the "bestselling author of Spare". But there's absolutely no mention of "monarchy" nor "royal" in either biography, nor any references to Harry's father King Charles or brother Prince William.
It also omits the fact that Harry is fifth in line to the throne after Prince William and his children Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five.
Meghan, meanwhile, is simply referred to as the Duchess of Sussex and described, in part, as "feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity". In her profile, the only mention of the royal family reads: "In 2018, Meghan married Prince Harry, becoming the Duchess of Sussex."