Meghan Markle breaks her silence to defend new Sussex.com site after rebrand criticism

The Duchess of Sussex has broken her silence to defend the new Sussex.com site following a spate of criticism. 

The couple’s ‘provocative’ decision to relaunch their Archewell website, the umbrella name for all their philanthropic and business endeavours, with ‘Sussex.com’ sparked accusations they are trying to be ‘more Royal’.

Royal insiders told MailOnline that the rebrand made ‘no sense’ and created a ‘blurred line between the past and the present’ as The Duke and Duchess were told to drop their ‘Sussex’ title in February 2020 after quitting as working royals. 

Responding to the criticism Meghan Markle said in a statement: ‘There is a reason I have worked with Ryan and the talented team at Article for a decade: their attention to detail, their creativity and care, and the thoughtful approach to design as well as to the user experience.

‘They’re not just designers; they are collaborators who elevate your ideas into visual identities. They’re a very special company. Plus they’re Canadian, so I’m a fan.’

It comes as Meghan today announced a new podcast deal with female-founded US podcast network Lemonada Media, which aims to ‘make life suck less’ with shows around sex, grief and LGBTQ issues.

The Duchess of Sussex, pictured in 2022, has broken her silence to defend the new Sussex.com site following a spate of criticism

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in September 2023. The photograph now appears on the Home page of sussex.com

Their ‘About’ page reads: ‘The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex is shaping the future through business and philanthropy’

Prince Harry and Meghan unveiled their new website Sussex.com earlier this week, which modestly insists the pair are ‘shaping the future through business and philanthropy.’

The website is operated by ‘The Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ and is a ‘one-stop shop’ for all their activities.

Sussex.com is minimalistic by design and features a large photograph of the couple on the home page.

It has links to the Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions, as well as the controversial sussexroyal.com website launched in 2020 to coincide with their decision to step back as working royals.

It is thought the Duke and Duchess will use the site to share their personal and official updates, keeping people informed through the ‘News’ section.

Their ‘About’ page reads: ‘The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex is shaping the future through business and philanthropy.

‘This includes: The Archewell Foundation, Archewell Productions, patronages, ventures, and organizations which receive the support of the couple, individually and/or together.’

There is also a page dedicated to Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, detailing their backgrounds and achievements.

Prince Harry’s biography references his 10-years served in the British Armed Forces and as a New York Times bestselling author of Spare, ‘a memoir of his life told with compassion, vulnerability and unflinching honesty’.

Meghan’s biography refers to her advocacy work, her career in the entertainment industry as a lead role in the TV series ‘Suits’ and as a NY Times bestselling author of children’s book ‘The Bench’ and ‘Together: Our Community Kitchen’.

Their biographies include the line: ‘They are committed to their mission: Show Up, Do Good. They hold the value that charitable work should not simply be ‘a handout, but rather a hand held’.

The Archewell Foundation was set up by the Duke and Duchess to ‘build meaningful initiatives’ and ‘drive long-term change’.

Archewell Productions was founded in 2020 and is ‘dedicated to illuminating thought-provoking and diverse narratives that underscore our common humanity and celebrate community.’