Sussexes eyed name change to Spencer in passport row

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex explored changing their family name to Spencer amid repeated delays by British officials to issue passports for their children, the Guardian has been told.

- Nick Hopkins

The suggestion was a result of "sheer exasperation" and came during a face-to-face meeting between Prince Harry and his uncle Earl Spencer. He is understood to have been enthusiastic and supportive of the name change.

However, the British passports for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were finally issued almost six months after the initial applications - days after lawyers for the Sussexes sent a letter threatening to pursue a data subject access request.

This could have revealed details of the delays and the nature of any behind-the-scenes discussions between British officials responsible for issuing the documents.

One source said the duke and duchess had feared that officials were dragging their feet because the passport applications included the titles HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) for both children. The applications also used the surname Sussex, which the family had started using publicly.