
Prince Harry Spoke with Princess Diana's Brother About Taking the Spencer Name
Prince Harry reportedly consulted his maternal uncle about adopting the Spencer surname, a move that would mark a significant personal and symbolic break from the Royal Family.
An exclusive report has revealed that Prince Harry recently sought advice from Princess Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, regarding the possibility of changing his family name to Spencer. The conversation is said to have taken place during a brief and rare visit to the United Kingdom.

Prince William and Prince Harry with their uncle, Charles Spencer on the day of their mother's funeral service on September 6, 1997 | Source: Getty Images
According to sources cited by The Daily Mail, the Duke of Sussex is actively exploring how to adopt the Spencer surname, which would involve relinquishing the Mountbatten-Windsor name. That surname currently appears on the birth certificates of his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Charles and Karen Spencer arrive at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
"They had a very amicable conversation and Spencer advised him against taking such a step," a source told the outlet. The source added that legal complexities surrounding the name change were a key reason for the cautionary advice.

Charles Spencer at the 10th Anniversary Memorial for Princess Diana on August 31, 2007 in London, England | Source: Getty Images
This development adds another layer to the ongoing tensions between Prince Harry and the Royal Family. The Duke of Sussex has previously expressed a desire for reconciliation, stating he "would love a reconciliation" despite ongoing estrangement.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during an official photocall to announce their engagement on November 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
He has also disclosed that King Charles "won’t speak to him," citing unresolved concerns over his personal security arrangements in the UK.

Prince Harry gives a speech during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games on February 8, 2025 in Vancouver, Canada | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry made these remarks in an interview with BBC News following the dismissal of his appeal regarding the level of police protection afforded to him and his family when visiting the UK.