Meghan Markle and Prince Harry reportedly feared that King Charles might block British passports for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, amid ongoing tensions over their royal status and titles.
According to a source close to the couple, one of their biggest challenges following their royal exit in 2020 was ensuring their children’s legal names reflected their Sussex heritage, a task made increasingly difficult due to royal resistance.
“The King hadn’t wanted Archie and Lili to carry the titles, most of all the HRH, and the British passports, once created, would be the first and perhaps the only legal proof of their names,” the insider told The Guardian.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry reportedly encountered several delays when attempting to secure updated British passports for his children, reflecting their rightful Sussex surnames. These delays allegedly lasted over five months, with what the source described as a “string of excuses.”
“Harry was at a point where British passports for his children with their updated Sussex surnames (since the death of Queen Elizabeth II) were being blocked with a string of excuses over the course of five months,” the insider explained. The frustrations eventually led Harry to consider other options — even contemplating using a different surname altogether for his children.
“Out of sheer exasperation, he went to his uncle to effectively say: ‘My family are supposed to have the same name and they’re stopping that from happening because the kids are legally HRH, so if push comes to shove, if this blows up and they won’t let the kids be called Sussex, then can we use Spencer as a surname?’” The source revealed, referencing Harry’s maternal family name.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California, where they have since raised their two children out of the public spotlight. In past interviews, they have spoken openly about the challenges they faced within the royal family, including allegations of racism and a lack of support.
This latest revelation underscores the ongoing tension between Harry, Meghan, and the royal institution — a divide that continues to shape the lives and identities of their children.