Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Express Concerns Over Passport Delays Linked to Royal Titles

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Express Concerns Over Passport Delays Linked to Royal Titles

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle recently revealed their worries regarding the delayed issuance of U.K. passports for their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Reports indicate that they feared the hold-up was associated with King Charles III’s alleged resistance to recognizing their royal titles.

Contemplating a Name Change Amid Frustration

As reported by The Guardian, the couple even contemplated changing their family surname to Spencer due to their growing frustration over a months-long wait for the necessary travel documents. This idea reportedly stemmed from a face-to-face discussion Harry had with Earl Charles Spencer, his uncle, about the possibility of adopting his late mother Princess Diana’s surname for the family.

Resolution Comes After Six Months

Ultimately, the thought of a surname change fell by the wayside when the passports for their son Archie, six and daughter Lilibet, four, finally arrived—almost six months after the initial applications were filed. The typical processing period for passports in the U.K. is only three weeks.

Concerns About Royal Titles and Delays

Sources close to the Sussexes conveyed to The Guardian that there was a clear reluctance on the part of British officials to issue the children’s passports. The delays were particularly attributed to the inclusion of the titles HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) on the applications. This situation indicates an underlying tension regarding how royal titles are perceived within the government.

A Source’s Perspective on the Matter

According to a detailed account from a source, there were claims that the King did not want Archie and Lilibet to carry the HRH titles. Moreover, the issuance of British passports, once finalized, would serve as the children’s first legal proof of their names.

Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace for a response. A palace representative firmly denied any connection between the monarch or palace officials and the delays concerning the passports for Archie and Lilibet.

Official Statements From Buckingham Palace

The spokesperson categorically responded to inquiries about whether there was any objection made by the palace regarding the children’s passports being issued with their royal titles. They simply stated, “No.” This response highlights the palace’s desire to distance itself from the controversy.

A Plan That Led to New Developments

Further complicating the situation, a source indicated that Harry felt increasingly blocked from obtaining British passports for his children under their updated Sussex surname—particularly after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. The source mentioned the extensive number of unwelcome and unfounded excuses that emerged from British officials throughout a five-month period.

In a moment of frustration, Harry approached his uncle to express his concerns. This discussion reportedly included a proposal: If the royal family continuously obstructed the legitimate use of the Sussex surname for the children, could they consider using Spencer as their legal surname?

Meeting with Earl Spencer

While Fox News Digital has confirmed that Harry did discuss the name change with Earl Spencer, conflicting accounts emerged regarding the advice given. Whereas earlier reports suggested that Earl Spencer warned Harry of insurmountable legal hurdles, a more recent source disputes this characterization entirely.

Private Matters Remain Private

In the wake of these developments, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess stated that they do not comment on private matters involving their children. This commitment to privacy has consistently been a hallmark of the couple’s approach since stepping back from royal duties.

Delays Spark Legal Threats

The Sussexes endured prolonged delays while attempting to secure the passports. Reports indicated that the documents were issued shortly after their lawyers pressured the U.K. Home Office with threats of a data subject access request. Such a request could have forced a disclosure of details surrounding the delays and internal discussions among British officials responsible for processing the applications.

Children’s Last Names and Royal Traditions

In a twist, recent reports from People magazine have clarified that Archie and Lilibet have Mountbatten-Windsor as their last names on official documents. However, the family now identifies as Sussex. This situation reflects the royal family tradition whereby children inherit titles as surnames based on their parents’ royal designations.

Royal Titles in Flux

Since stepping away from royal responsibilities in January 2020, Harry and Meghan no longer utilized their HRH titles. Buckingham Palace confirmed at that time that the Sussexes would not use such titles as they were no longer working members of the royal family. Nevertheless, the couple announced in early 2023 that their children would retain their HRH titles, reinstating their standing in the royal family hierarchy.

The Future of Their Children’s Titles

A spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed that this matter regarding the children’s titles had been resolved, clarifying that it coincided with King Charles’s ascension to the throne. Reports indicate that Prince Harry wishes for his children to have the option of deciding in the future whether they want to pursue royal duties or lead private lives.

As the situation evolves, it’s clear that the intersection of royal titles, family identity, and public perception remains a sensitive topic for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the broader royal family.