In a move that would have marked a significant departure from royal tradition, Prince Harry is said to have seriously contemplated changing his family’s last name to Spencer, the maiden name of his late mother, Princess Diana. This consideration reportedly occurred as he and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, established their independent life in the United States.
According to sources, the Duke of Sussex explored the idea of adopting Spencer as his surname, a change that would have extended to his children, Archie and Lilibet. The proposal was discussed with his uncle, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, who is said to have advised against it. The Earl reportedly cautioned that such a legal name change could present considerable complications.
Ultimately, the family’s official surname remains Mountbatten-Windsor, the designation established by the monarchy. However, in their public lives, the couple and their children prominently use the territorial title “Sussex.” Meghan has publicly expressed the personal significance of this shared family name, describing it as a meaningful symbol of their unit.
“The fact that Archie, Lili, Harry, and I all share this name together means a great deal to me,” she has stated, framing it as a central part of their family narrative. Despite this emphasis, the reported earlier deliberation to choose Spencer highlights the complex personal and historical considerations the couple has navigated since stepping back from their roles as senior working royals.
