They’re putting the “sus” in Sussex.com.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly bought the controversial domain name from a British tech businessman Neil Agate, The Sun has reported.
According to the outlet, Agate, born in Sussex but currently resides in the US, registered the domain in 1995 and held on to it for almost 30 years until it was purchased by Harry, 39, and Meghan, 42, for an undisclosed amount.
“Congratulations to the Duke & Duchess of Sussex on the purchase of Sussex.com for your new website,” Agate wrote on his Facebook page. “The domain served me well for 30 years & especially glad it’s still owned by a British polo player.”
Agate claimed the former royals made the bid on his website through the use of a broker and did little to negotiate the price, and he is reportedly “pleased” with the amount for which the site was sold.
The businessman also revealed that he has had several inquiries about buying the domain and even joked that several Sussex insurance companies had approached him with offers but were turned down.
“Most weren’t worth the effort,” he told The Sun. “I got an email from a broker in December and replied with my asking price. They accepted it.”
“I think the price was fair,” Agate added. “I didn’t know who was buying it. I’m very happy with the situation.”
The royal rebrand comes after the couple lost their SussexRoyal.com website in 2020.
Branded Sussex.com, the quietly launched site features bios for Harry and Meghan as well as links to their Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions organizations.
Additionally, the site also features a list of the couple’s achievements including an entry that details the Duke of Sussex presenting the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year to Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward at the NFL Honors.
Those attempting to log into the couple’s former site are greeted with a message: “This site was established in 2020 and sets out the work streams of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex prior to their move to the United States. To learn more about the Royal couple and their philanthropic endeavors, click here.”
The new URL, which sports a navy blue and beige theme, also sports a coat of arms and the legend “The office of Prince Harry & Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
A photo of the couple smiling and cheering at the 2023 Invictus Games acts as a backdrop for the homepage.
The former royals have since come under fire for usurping the site and for using a royal coat of arms and titles, with several people calling it “self-serving.”
“Umm, these two nincompoops do realize they are not ‘Sussex,’ right,” one angry X (formerly Twitter) user wrote. “The gall of buying Sussex.com, and including a royal crest, though they hate the royals, is ridiculous.”
“’The Office of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ Grandiose, arrogant & self-serving,” a second user spat. “If this isn’t an attempt to pre-empt their anticipated removal from the Royal Family website (and other actions), it should be the catalyst to do so. Get on with it.”
Other users praised the Sussex brand’s move.
“Meghan outlines all the work she’s done throughout her life. I’m so proud of her for doing this. She’s taking control of her life. She doesn’t owe anything to anyone and she wants you to know that yes, her children are in fact a prince and princess,” one fan gushed.
“The Sussex.com website is going to make a lot of people cry and I am here for it. However, I am so proud of Harry & Meghan for doing things the way they see fit & having some of the best people working for them. Onwards and Upwards! 2024 is our year to celebrate them!” another posted.
Markle clapped back at haters telling them she was a fan of the new design.
“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,” Markle said in an endorsement on Article’s website.
“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.”
