Prince Harry, once a central figure of the British royal family, is reportedly planning to abandon his royal surname, sparking yet another rift within the House of Windsor, the The COW News digital reported on Sunday.
The Duke of Sussex, increasingly distant from royal traditions, has grown disillusioned with his lineage, prompting him to consider dropping the name Mountbatten-Windsor, a hallmark of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s descendants.
According to foreign media reports, Prince Harry sought advice from his maternal uncle, Earl Spencer, before making this monumental decision. Earl Spencer, however, cautioned Harry against the name change, reportedly warning him about the symbolic and familial implications such a move could bring.
At present, Harry’s children’s birth certificates bear the surname Mountbatten-Windsor, solidifying their link to the royal lineage. This shared name has long signified continuity and loyalty to the monarchy’s heritage.
Royal commentator and author Tom Bower claims the idea of a name change would be deeply offensive to King Charles, suggesting it would be perceived as a personal rejection of the monarchy itself.
The move also adds fuel to ongoing speculation surrounding Meghan Markle’s growing influence. According to Bower, Meghan has long aspired to emulate the late Princess Diana, potentially motivating Harry to further distance himself from royal expectations in favor of carving a new legacy.
While official confirmation remains pending, insiders suggest that such a step would mark a dramatic departure from royal protocol and could deepen existing fractures within the royal family.
