Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly considered changing their family surname to Spencer due to months of delays in obtaining British passports for their children, according to The Guardian on Wednesday (June 4). The report, citing an unnamed source, said Harry believed British officials were obstructing the passport process because the applications included the Sussex surname and HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) titles for his children.

A source familiar with the situation told Reuters that Harry had discussed the potential surname change with his late mother Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer. Contrary to other media claims, the source said Spencer did not advise against the idea, nor were legal obstacles to a name change considered insurmountable. Harry, the younger son of King Charles, stepped away from royal duties in 2020 and now lives in California with Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet.

Since their departure, Harry and Meghan have openly criticized the royal family through documentaries, a widely publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey, and Harry’s memoir, Spare. Harry is reportedly estranged from both his father and his brother, Prince William, the heir to the throne. In a recent BBC interview, Harry expressed a desire to reconcile with his family, although he noted that his father has refused to speak with him due to an ongoing dispute over security arrangements.