Duke Reportedly Plans to Drop Windsor Name in Bold Break from His Father
Prince Harry is facing sharp criticism after reports emerged that he is considering dropping the Windsor surname in favour of his late mother’s family name — Spencer.
According to the Daily Mail, the Duke of Sussex allegedly consulted his uncle, Earl Charles Spencer, about the potential change during a recent visit to the UK. The symbolic move is being interpreted as a final, deeply personal break from the Royal Family.
Broadcaster Anne Diamond told GB News that the gesture would be “like declaring a divorce, only worse,” describing it as one of the most painful rejections Harry could deliver to King Charles.
If Harry proceeds, it’s believed his children, Archie and Lilibet, could also adopt the Spencer name — further distancing the family from their royal ties.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams called the move a reflection of the “toxicity” that continues to plague relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family.
The decision comes as King Charles continues cancer treatment, and amid fresh media attention on Meghan Markle. In a recent episode of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, she corrected actress Mindy Kaling, stating: “I’m Sussex now” when referred to by her maiden name.
Observers believe the name change, if confirmed, would be a striking and personal rejection of royal tradition — and a signal that reconciliation may be further out of reach than ever.
