Duke of Sussex reportedly considered taking 'Spencer' name in dramatic break from monarchy
Prince Harry has allegedly contemplated taking a radical step to sever his final ties to the royal family — by dropping the name Mountbatten-Windsor and adopting his mother’s family name, Spencer.
Despite previously expressing willingness to reconcile with his estranged relatives, Harry's relationship with King Charles has reportedly deteriorated further following a major legal setback concerning his security in the UK.
Amid growing tensions, sources claim the Duke of Sussex turned to his maternal uncle, Earl Charles Spencer, for advice on legally changing his surname — a move that would also affect his children, who currently use Mountbatten-Windsor.
The rare conversation took place during Harry’s recent trip to the UK, where Spencer is said to have strongly advised against the change, describing the legal complications as “insurmountable” and cautioning Harry against making such a move.
While the discussion remained cordial, the suggestion reportedly alarmed royal insiders. Any public rejection of the Mountbatten-Windsor name would have been viewed as a profound personal blow to King Charles, who values the family name as a legacy of his father, Prince Philip.
Though Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020 and retain their HRH titles only in name, this latest development highlights the continuing strain between Harry and the royal institution. Any such decision would have likely destroyed any remaining hopes of reconciliation between father and son.
