The recent launch of Sussex.com by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry has ignited discussions about the couple's intentions and the message they wish to convey through this significant rebranding.
Royal expert Jennie Bond suggests that the new website and its features, including a change in logo from a calligraphed H&M to their coat of arms and the adoption of the surname 'Sussex' for the couple and their children, signal a deliberate move towards independence while also emphasizing their familial unity.
"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," Bond elucidated to OK magazine, shedding light on the deeper implications of the couple's rebranding efforts.
The website's new aesthetic, prominently featuring a photograph of the couple with the declaration, "The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan, The Duke & Duchess of Sussex," coupled with their updated logo featuring their coat of arms, underscores their intent to maintain a royal connection while also charting an independent course. "They've come under so much criticism but this is her hitting back, making everyone know they are stronger than ever," Bond further explained, highlighting Meghan's resolve in the face of adversity.
However, this rebranding has not been without its complexities, as Bond pointed out the inherent tension in their desire for independence juxtaposed with the retention of their royal titles. "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," Bond noted, capturing the nuanced dynamics at play within the Sussex family's public persona.
Critics have pointed out that while the rebrand emphasizes the couple's royal status, it notably omits direct references to the broader royal family. Harry's biography on the site, which lauds his military service and humanitarian work, conspicuously lacks mention of his royal lineage or his place in the line of succession. Meghan's profile similarly focuses on her advocacy work, with only a passing reference to her royal marriage.
The couple's decision to navigate their public identity in this manner reflects a broader conversation about the role of modern royalty and the balance between personal autonomy and public duty. As Bond aptly summarized, "It's a further declaration of their independence, and there's nothing wrong with that." This sentiment encapsulates the delicate dance of carving out a new legacy while remaining tethered to royal heritage, a challenge that Harry and Meghan continue to navigate with each strategic move they make.
