Prince Harry reportedly wanted to change his family’s last name to Spencer, his late mother Princess Diana’s maiden name, following his ongoing rift with the royal family. The Duke of Sussex sought advice from his uncle, Earl Spencer, but was told the legal hurdles would be too complex.
The discussion happened during a recent visit to the UK. Harry, 40, explored ways to adopt the Spencer surname instead of Mountbatten-Windsor, the name on his children’s birth certificates. His uncle advised against it, calling the process difficult.
Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were originally listed as Mountbatten-Windsor. However, the family now uses Sussex as their last name. Meghan confirmed this on her Netflix show, saying she prefers sharing a surname with her kids.
The move would have been seen as a major snub to King Charles, who values the Mountbatten-Windsor name. Royal experts say it would have deepened the family divide.
Why Harry Wanted the Spencer Name
Harry’s connection to his mother’s side of the family has grown stronger since stepping back from royal duties. He has stayed at Althorp House, Diana’s childhood home, during UK visits instead of Buckingham Palace.
A source said:
“They had a very amicable conversation, and Spencer advised him against taking such a step.”
The Spencer name represents Harry’s bond with his mother’s family. However, legally switching surnames would have been complicated, especially since his children’s titles are tied to the royal family.
Meghan Markle’s Take on the Sussex Name
Meghan recently corrected a friend who called her “Meghan Markle” on her Netflix show With Love, Meghan. She said:
“It’s so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now. You have kids and you go, ‘No, I share my name with my children.’ It just means so much to go, ‘This is our family name. Our little family name.’”
This confirms the family’s decision to use Sussex officially. The name comes from their royal titles, Duke and Duchess of Sussex, granted by Queen Elizabeth in 2018.
How the Royal Family Would Have Reacted
Changing to Spencer would have been a bold move. The Mountbatten-Windsor name honors Prince Philip’s legacy, and King Charles is deeply attached to it.
Royal author Robert Jobson said:
“Changing his surname would have been a public rejection of his father’s family. It would have been a slap in the face to Prince Philip.”
The idea highlights Harry’s strained relationship with his father and brother, Prince William. Despite attempts to reconcile, tensions remain high since Harry’s memoir, Spare, and his Netflix docuseries.
What’s Next for Harry and Meghan?
The couple has fully embraced life in the U.S., focusing on their Archewell Foundation and media projects. Harry’s potential name change shows his continued struggle with royal ties.
While the Spencer idea was dropped, the Sussex name reinforces their independence. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, are now officially Prince and Princess of Sussex, a title updated after Queen Elizabeth’s death.
The royal feud shows no signs of ending. Harry’s latest move, though not followed through, signals his willingness to distance himself further from the monarchy.
Credits: Reports from Daily Mail, Page Six, Newsweek, and Town & Country.
