According to The Daily Mail, citing palace insiders, the Duke of Sussex had actively looked into taking on his late mother Princess Diana’s surname. The decision, if carried out, would have marked a significant break from royal tradition and distanced him even further from his royal heritage. Currently, the surname Mountbatten-Windsor is used by his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Royal expert Helena Chard responded to the reports in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, “Trying to change his surname has an air of revenge.” She continued, “Such a hurtful and vindictive move to King Charles. It highlights Prince Harry’s little to no regard for his family.
A huge amount of bitterness and frustration bubbling away in Harry could have led to him feeling the Spencer name would help grow his royal court.” Hilary Fordwich, another royal commentator, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Once again, Prince Harry has managed to make yet another deeply divisive and emotionally charged move, further fracturing his already tenuous relationship with the royal family.”
Fordwich further revealed, “The overwhelming advice from within his own family, particularly from his Uncle Earl Spencer, is to abandon the ludicrous idea due to its legal and emotional consequences.” She added, “Even his inquiry highlights the enduring complexities of Harry’s relationship with his royal roots… It further thwarts any future reconciliation.”
According to sources close to the royal household, senior members of the Firm are said to be “hurt and dismayed” by the revelation, which they believe has inflicted “additional damage” on an already strained relationship.
Royal analyst Richard Fitzwilliams also weighed in, commenting, “For Harry to consider doing this, he must still feel very embittered.” He concluded, “King Charles will regard this with great sadness… What will Harry think up next?”
The reports have sparked renewed public debate over Prince Harry’s role in the royal family and whether reconciliation remains possible amidst ongoing tensions. While the name change has not been officially confirmed or pursued, the mere consideration of such a move has added a fresh layer of emotional complexity to the royal rift.