Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have previously expressed concerns regarding administrative delays in the issuance of British passports for their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The issue, which has drawn media attention, underscores the complex intersection of royal protocol, legal documentation, and the evolving role of the Sussex family following their transition away from official royal duties.
While some reports suggest alternative surname options were discussed, no official or legal change to the children’s names has occurred, and the U.K. government has not publicly confirmed the reasons behind the delays.
Royal Titles and Surnames: What Do the Rules Say?
Prince Archie Harrison and Princess Lilibet Diana, children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, became entitled to the titles of “Prince” and “Princess” in September 2022 following the accession of King Charles III. According to royal tradition established by King George V’s 1917 Letters Patent, all grandchildren of the monarch in the male line are eligible for royal titles unless otherwise stated by the reigning monarch or through formal legislation.
Despite stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle retained their Duke and Duchess titles. However, per the agreement with Queen Elizabeth II, they no longer use the honorific “HRH” (His/Her Royal Highness) in public or official capacities, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace’s official statement.
Their children’s full names have appeared publicly with the surname “Sussex,” a customary adaptation similar to other royal family members who use territorial designations as surnames. Prior to this, Archie’s surname was listed as “Mountbatten-Windsor” on his original birth certificate, in accordance with royal naming conventions established in 1960 by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
British Passport Delays: Facts and Context
According to a report by The Guardian, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle encountered delays in securing British passports for their children. Although British authorities do not comment on individual passport applications, the Home Office reiterated its policy of confidentiality and declined to provide details regarding processing timelines for members of the royal family.
The standard processing time for British passports is typically three weeks, as outlined on the U.K. government’s official website. However, during periods of high demand or when additional verification is required, delays can occur. There is no official confirmation that the children’s titles or surnames were factors in any administrative holdups.
Legal experts note that the inclusion of titles such as HRH on legal documents like passports is subject to review by issuing authorities. However, passport identity pages generally use full legal names rather than styling or honorifics, and it is not standard practice to include “Prince” or “Princess” titles in such documentation.
Reports About a Name Change to “Spencer”
Some media outlets have reported that Prince Harry considered adopting “Spencer” as a family surname for his children, referencing the maiden name of his mother, the late Diana, Princess of Wales. These claims have not been publicly confirmed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex or by Earl Spencer, Diana’s brother.
The idea of switching to the surname “Spencer” has not materialized in any official documents or legal filings. As such, there is no confirmed evidence that a formal name change was initiated or pursued. The reports remain speculative unless substantiated by a formal statement or legal record.
Changing a surname in the United Kingdom, especially when tied to royal titles, would involve specific legal procedures and may also require royal assent or consultation with the Home Office, depending on the status and visibility of the individuals involved.
Passport Issuance and Government Policy
The U.K. Home Office, which oversees the issuance of passports, maintains that identity documents are processed according to established administrative procedures. Inquiries from news organizations, including The Guardian, received responses that no personal commentary can be made on passport cases for reasons of privacy.
The Home Office has previously confirmed that titles or royal status do not automatically grant or hinder passport processing. Applications are assessed based on documentation, citizenship, and legal identification—criteria applicable to all U.K. citizens.
Buckingham Palace also confirmed that it does not interfere in administrative matters involving personal documentation, and a palace spokesperson declined to comment on private issues relating to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s children.
Prince Harry’s Broader Legal and Security Challenges
Prince Harry’s concern for his family’s legal status and protection has been well documented, especially since stepping down as a working royal. In May 2025, the Court of Appeal rejected his appeal against the U.K. Home Office’s decision to downgrade his state-funded security, following a review by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC).
As reported by BBC News, the court found that the decision to provide a different level of protection to Prince Harry when visiting the U.K. was lawful and did not constitute unfair treatment. The judges emphasized that security is based on risk assessments and not automatically guaranteed for non-working royals.
Prince Harry previously argued that the safety of his family, including his children, could be compromised without official protection. He has drawn comparisons to the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997, who at the time was under private security and not afforded royal police protection.
Children’s Role in the Royal Family: Looking Ahead
Prince Harry has stated in past interviews that he would like his children to have the option to choose their roles in public life when they reach adulthood. While he and Meghan no longer use HRH titles and do not represent the monarchy in an official capacity, their children’s royal status remains symbolically intact under current rules.
There is no official indication that Prince Archie or Princess Lilibet will pursue royal duties in the future. Decisions around participation in royal life typically rest with the individual, guided by personal circumstances and family agreement.
Examples from the wider royal family show that several members, such as Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, have not used HRH titles or taken on royal duties, despite being entitled to do so. The approach to royal roles has become increasingly flexible in modern times.
Conclusion: Clarifying the Situation
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced challenges related to documentation, security, and family dynamics, many reports remain speculative or unverified. The facts confirm that British passports were eventually issued for their children, and that legal name changes or official title revocations have not occurred.
As the Sussex family continues to navigate their life outside of royal duties, clarity and transparency remain essential in distinguishing between official decisions and media speculation.
Verified Sources:
- BBC News – Prince Harry Security Appeal Rejected
- Royal.uk – Official Statement on Sussex Titles
- UK Government – Apply for a Passport
- The Guardian – Royal Family and Legal Reporting
- Royal.uk – Family Names and Titles
