Harry and Meghan consider mother Diana’s Spencer surname amid royal rift and passport row: Report

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly considered changing their family name to Spencer amid delays in securing British passports for their children, Archie and Lilibet, according to The Guardian. Citing a source, the report suggests Harry believed British officials were stalling the passport applications due to the use of the Sussex surname and the HRH titles for the children.

The Duke of Sussex is said to have discussed the idea with his late mother Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer. However, contrary to earlier media reports, a source told Reuters that Spencer did not advise Harry against the change and that legal hurdles were not deemed insurmountable.

Harry and Meghan have lived in California since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Since then, they’ve openly criticised the royal institution in interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir Spare, leading to strained ties with the monarchy. Harry is now barely in contact with his father, King Charles III, or his brother, Prince William.

In a BBC interview last month, Harry said he seeks reconciliation, but his relationship with King Charles remains tense amid a dispute over security arrangements during visits to the UK.