LONDON — In a surprising twist, Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly contemplated changing their family name to Spencer after facing months of delays in securing British passports for their two children, according to a Guardian report published on Wednesday (June 4).

The Duke of Sussex allegedly suspected that British officials were intentionally obstructing the passport applications due to the use of the Sussex surname and HRH (His or Her Royal Highness) titles for Archie and Lilibet. An anonymous source close to the matter revealed these concerns to the newspaper.

Reuters has learned from an informed insider that Harry even consulted with his uncle, Charles Spencer - brother of his late mother Princess Diana - about potentially adopting the Spencer family name. This private discussion highlights how seriously the couple considered this dramatic change.

The same source refuted earlier media claims that Charles Spencer had advised against such a move or that legal obstacles made it impossible. Contrary to those reports, our source indicates these discussions were more substantial than previously understood.

Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California with Meghan and their children, Prince Harry's relationship with the royal family has grown increasingly strained. The couple hasn't shied away from publicly sharing their grievances through various platforms including explosive interviews, documentaries, and Harry's revealing memoir "Spare". Currently, communication between Harry and both his father King Charles III and brother Prince William remains minimal at best.

During a recent BBC interview last month, Prince Harry expressed his desire for reconciliation with his family while acknowledging ongoing tensions regarding security arrangements continue preventing meaningful dialogue with his father.