Latest news with #Mountbatten-Windsor
Mint
10-06-2025
- General
- Mint
Prince Harry talked out of surname change by Diana's brother Earl Spencer: Report
Prince Harry reportedly considered changing his surname from Mountbatten-Windsor to Spencer — his late mother Princess Diana's maiden name — before being advised against it by her brother, Earl Spencer. According to royal commentator Charles Rae, the move would have sent a 'terrible message' to the Royal Family and shows Harry is still unsure about his future. Speaking on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show, Rae said the reported name change highlights a shift in direction just weeks after Harry called for reconciliation with his father and brother. 'It was only less than a month ago that he was pleading for a reconciliation with his father and his brother,' Rae said. 'And the next thing we hear — and I think the story was well sourced — he wants to change the name from Mountbatten-Windsor to Spencer. Well, that is sending a terrible message to the Royal Family that he doesn't really want a reconciliation,' added Rae. Harry, now 40, stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the United States with his wife Meghan Markle. Since then, he has publicly voiced his struggles with royal life and family tensions, including in interviews and his memoir, Spare. Earl Spencer, Diana's younger brother, reportedly advised Harry against making such a symbolic change. While the Duke of Sussex has not commented publicly on the claims, royal watchers see it as another sign of internal conflict as he balances royal roots with his current life abroad. Mountbatten-Windsor is the official surname used by the descendants of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. It combines the royal house name, Windsor, with Mountbatten — the adopted surname of the late Duke of Edinburgh. Both of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children carry the name: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. According to royal author Tom Bower, the idea of changing the family surname may have had deeper personal meaning. In a recent report, Bower claimed, 'Meghan decided her real object in life was to be Diana,' suggesting that the name change might have been a symbolic tribute to Harry's late mother. If the change had gone ahead, their daughter would have been named Lilibet Diana Spencer. For now, Harry continues to use the Mountbatten-Windsor name, though speculation remains over what direction his future choices will take.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Prince Harry & Meghan Allegedly Feared The Royal Family Delayed Their Kids' Passports Over HRH Title Dispute
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly faced months of delays in securing British passports for their children. The couple is said to believe that King Charles deliberately stalled the process due to tensions over their HRH titles. Meanwhile, insiders say Prince Harry's strained relationship with King Charles and Prince William is beyond repair, with both parties unwilling. Harry and Meghan reportedly suspected that King Charles deliberately stalled the approval of British passport applications for their children, Archie and Lilibet, due to tensions surrounding the use of their HRH titles. According to The Guardian, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were left waiting nearly six months for the documents, far longer than the typical three-week processing time. The couple believed the process had been "blocked" by the monarch. Their submitted applications listed "Sussex" as the children's surname, part of a broader move away from the traditional Mountbatten-Windsor name. A source familiar with the matter claimed there was "clear reluctance to issue passports for the kids." The insider added that Charles, 76, "hadn't wanted Archie and Lili to carry the titles, most of all the HRH, and the British passports, once created, would be the first and perhaps the only legal proof of their names." Despite these claims, palace officials have strongly denied any interference by the King. The initial delay was reportedly blamed on unspecified "technical issues." Frustrated by the holdup, Harry and Meghan allegedly filed a new request through the UK's urgent 24-hour fast-track passport service. However, their scheduled appointment was unexpectedly canceled at the last minute, with sources citing a "systems failure" as the cause. Archie and Lilibet's passports were eventually approved, but only after Harry and Meghan's legal representatives sent a forceful letter warning they would submit a data subject access request, according to reports. A source close to the matter revealed: "Harry was at a point where British passports for his children with their updated Sussex surnames (since the death of Elizabeth II) were being blocked with a string of excuses over the course of five months." This drawn-out ordeal regarding his kids' passports reportedly led Harry to approach his maternal uncle, Earl Spencer, for advice. Out of "sheer exasperation," Harry reportedly "went to his uncle to effectively say, 'My family are supposed to have the same name and they're stopping that from happening because the kids are legally HRH, so if push comes to shove, if this blows up and they won't let the kids be called Sussex, then can we use Spencer as a surname?" According to the Daily Mail, the duke brought up the idea during a recent visit to the UK, where he had a "very amicable conversation" with his late mother's brother. While the discussion was friendly, sources revealed that Earl Spencer advised Harry against "taking such a step." As grandchildren of the reigning monarch, Archie and Lilibet would traditionally be entitled to use HRH titles had they remained active within the royal family. However, following Harry and Meghan's exit from royal duties, questions arose over the legitimacy and future use of those titles for their children. In 2020, after Harry and Meghan's departure, Buckingham Palace clarified their standing: "The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the royal family." Although not legally barred from using the titles, the couple reportedly promised the late Queen Elizabeth II they would honor the agreement. However, according to insiders, Harry still wants his children to retain their HRH titles, not for immediate use, but to give them the option later in life to either return to royal duties or continue building their identities independently in the United States. Meanwhile, Harry's fractured relationship with Charles has reportedly reached an irreversible low point, with insiders suggesting a royal reconciliation is now all but off the table. Despite maintaining a public silence and being separated from his youngest son by more than 5,000 miles, Charles is said to be emotionally distanced as well. According to royal commentator Hilary Fordwich, any remaining hope for healing appears to have faded. "There is no turning back," she told Fox News. "King Charles remains tender towards his son but can't risk communication." Fordwich noted that the King's advisers have made it clear that reconciliation "would burden Prince William's future reign." She added that "Prince William now has absolutely no interest in mending fences." "The animosity is so deep that William has shut the door on Harry. Charles is not willing to go against his heir's wishes," Fordwich explained.
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Have your say on Prince Harry changing his surname to Spencer
The Duke of Sussex has reportedly been exploring ways to change his surname from Mountbatten-Windsor to Spencer - and we want to hear your thoughts on Prince Harry's latest move Prince Harry reportedly consulted Princess Diana's brother about the possibility of changing his surname from Mountbatten-Windsor to Spencer - and we want to hear your thoughts on the topic. During a rare visit to the UK, the Duke of Sussex is believed to have discussed the matter with his uncle Earl Spencer, but was advised that the legal hurdles involved were too significant to overcome, reports the Mail on Sunday. The dramatic move would mean giving up the Mountbatten-Windsor surname, which is also used by his children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, three. His current surname is only available to descendants of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, which combines the Royal Family 's title of Windsor and the Duke of Edinburgh 's adopted surname. Following her accession to the throne in 1952, Queen Elizabeth confirmed the Royal Family name of Windsor. In 1960, the Queen and then Duke of Edinburgh elected for their direct descendants to carry the surname Mountbatten-Windsor - a name cherished by King Charles. Sources have claimed that Harry has been keenly exploring ways to adopt his late mother's surname, as a friend of the Duke told MailOnline: "They had a very amicable conversation and Spencer advised him against taking such a step". Royal author Tom Bower has claimed that 'Meghan decided her real object in life was to be Diana'. If the name change had succeeded, Meghan's daughter would have become Lilibet Diana Spencer. According to the Government, you do not have to follow a legal process to start using a new name, but it suggests on its official website using a 'deed poll' to apply for, or to change official documents such as a passport or driving licence. This move could mean that Harry's children, Archie and Lilibet, would also lose their existing surname of Mountbatten-Windsor, sources suggest. However, it is widely believed that the family use the surname Sussex, to reflect Harry and Meghan's roles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. During an episode of her Netflix show, Meghan corrected her friend Mindy Kaling saying: "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'. I didn't know how meaningful it would be to me but it just means so much to go 'This is our family name. Our little family name.'" Get Prince Harry updates straight to your WhatsApp! While Harry was reportedly told that the legalities surrounding the name change were too great to overcome, his request reflects the Sussexes' expanding rift with the Firm after stepping down from royal duties in 2020. Following revelations that the Duke reached out to his uncle to discuss changing his family name, we want to know if you think Harry should switch to Spencer. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Prince Harry Nearly Adopted Princess Diana's Maiden Name, Severing Royal Ties
Prince Harry Nearly Adopted Princess Diana's Maiden Name, Severing Royal Ties originally appeared on Parade. A new report claims nearly adopted Princess Diana's maiden name after reportedly discussing the matter with her brother, Charles Spencer. In doing so, Harry would have severed his ties to the House of Windsor for good. Per The Mirror's Richard Eden, sources revealed the Duke of Sussex entertained the idea of adopting Princess Diana's maiden name, Spencer, after discussing the matter with her brother, the 9th Earl Spencer, during a visit to the United Kingdom. Reasonably, if Harry did change his name, the switch would mark a definitive split between Harry and his royal kin. Additionally, the surname of Harry's children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, Mountbatten-Windsor, would also be affected. Eden states, "It is understood he discussed the issue with Earl Spencer, whose family seat is Althorp in Northamptonshire, during a rare visit to Britain, but was told that the legal hurdles were insurmountable. They had a very amicable conversation and Spencer advised him against taking such a step, said a friend of Harry." Parade Daily🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 He adds, "Nevertheless, the fact that he consulted the Earl over the issue, a proposal that would dismay his brother and father, is a vivid expression of the toxic rift with his family. Mountbatten-Windsor is the surname available to descendants of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. It combines the Royal Family's name of Windsor and the Duke of Edinburgh's adopted surname." Even if Harry found a way to legally take on his mother's maiden name, he would not be entitled to inherit his mother's ancestral property, Althorp House. Princess Diana's family home will be passed down to her nephew, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp. As the only son of Charles Spencer, Louis is set to inherit the estate and earldom under the traditional practice of male primogeniture, which is an age-old system that favors male heirs, bypassing his three older sisters. Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, use Sussex as their last name. Harry was known as "Harry Wales" when then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana held the royal title of Prince and Princess of Wales. Subsequently, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were granted the titles Duke and Duchess of Sussex by Queen Elizabeth on their 2018 wedding day. The couple's children were titled prince and princess after King Charles's accession. Per the BBC, upon stepping back from their duties as senior royals, the couple were allowed to keep their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles. However, they are no longer addressed as His or Her Royal Highness (HRH). Additionally, Harry had to give up all of his military titles after a decade-long career in the armed forces. Prince Harry Nearly Adopted Princess Diana's Maiden Name, Severing Royal Ties first appeared on Parade on Jun 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Post
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Prince Harry asked Princess Diana's brother if he should change his family name to Spencer amid royal rift: report
Prince Harry had reportedly asked his uncle and Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, about changing his family name — signaling that the royal rift is far from over. The Duke of Sussex sought out his uncle's counsel about taking his late mother's last name during a recent trip to the UK, the Daily Mail reports. Had he taken his mother's surname, the Invictus Games founder would have had to relinquish the Mountbatten-Windsor family name — one that his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, once shared. 5 Prince Harry had reportedly asked his uncle and Princess Diana's brother, Earl Spencer, about changing his family name. Getty Images Harry, 40, was discouraged from pursuing the change by his 61-year-old uncle, who reportedly warned that the legal process would be overly complex. 'They had a very amicable conversation and Spencer advised him against taking such a step,' a friend of the 'Spare' author told the outlet. The Post has reached out to reps for Harry and Earl Spencer for comment. Unsurprisingly, the move likely would not have been well received by King Charles and Prince William, both of whom have long taken pride in the Mountbatten-Windsor name. 5 As it stands, members of the monarchy who are descendants of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are able to take up the Mountbatten-Windsor last name. Getty Images 5 Unsurprisingly, the move likely would not have been well received by King Charles and Prince William. via REUTERS As it stands, members of the monarchy who are descendants of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip are able to take up the Mountbatten-Windsor last name. The family name combines the Windsor name with Philip's adopted surname of Mountbatten. On their birth certificates, the children of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are listed as Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. 5 Prince Harry pictured with his late mother, Princess Diana, in 1987. Getty Images While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children were previously known by the Mountbatten-Windsor surname, it emerged last year that the family had formally chosen 'Sussex' as their official last name. Indeed, this was further confirmed by Meghan Markle earlier this year, who revealed that she also goes by Meghan Sussex now. In Netflix's 'With Love, Meghan,' she was quick to correct actress Mindy Kaling about her last name. 'It's so funny that you keep saying 'Meghan Markle.' You know I'm Sussex now,' Markle told the 'Mindy Project' star, 45. 'You have kids and you go, 'No, I share my name with my children,'' said the duchess, who has only visited the county of Sussex in England once. 5 It emerged last year that Harry and Markle had formally chosen 'Sussex' as their family's official last name. Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation 'I didn't know how meaningful it would be to me but it just means so much to go 'This is our family name. Our little family name.'' After the episode aired, she was then called 'Meghan Sussex' during her interview on 'The Drew Barrymore Show.'
