Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly explored the possibility of changing their family name to “Spencer” after facing months of delays in obtaining British passports for their children, according to a Guardian report published on Wednesday.

Citing an unnamed source, the newspaper said that Harry, the Duke of Sussex, suspected the delays were linked to objections from British officials over the use of the Sussex surname and the HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) titles for his children, Archie and Lilibet. The couple stepped back from official royal duties in 2020 and have since lived in California.

A separate source familiar with the situation confirmed that Harry had met with his maternal uncle, Charles Spencer, the brother of the late Princess Diana, to discuss possibly adopting the Spencer surname for his family. However, the source dismissed reports that Spencer advised Harry against the move or that legal obstacles made such a change impossible.

The revelation marks the latest chapter in Prince Harry’s strained relationship with the British royal family. Since relocating to the United States, Harry and Meghan have publicly criticised the monarchy in a Netflix docuseries, a widely viewed Oprah Winfrey interview, and Harry’s best-selling memoir Spare. These disclosures have contributed to a deep rift between Harry and senior royals, including his father, King Charles III, and his brother, Prince William.

Although Harry expressed a desire for reconciliation in a BBC interview last month, he also noted that King Charles has refused to speak with him due to ongoing disagreements over security arrangements.

The new reports highlight both the personal and institutional tensions that continue to shape Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the royal establishment—now extending even to questions about their children’s identity and future in Britain.

Melissa Enoch

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