Will Harry and Meghan DropIndex the Windsor Surname to Align with Diana?

The question of whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might drop the Windsor surname has been a topic of much speculation. However, the answer is not as straightforward as one might hope. All titles, including their own, are tied to the Windsor name, which means a change in surname would automatically require a reconsideration of their titles as well. Therefore, while the idea of a name change might seem appealing, it could also create significant difficulties in their ascension to the throne, if that path is ever desired.

The Refusal and the Legacy

The Spencer family, which includes members of Princess Diana's lineage, has firmly rejected any such request. Earl Spencer, the head of the Spencer family, has made it clear that the Windsor surname is integral to the legacy and memory of Princess Diana. The idea of changing it could be seen as an affront to her, as they are essentially trying to distance themselves from the very legacy they are benefiting from.

Their proposed change of surname to something like 'Mountbatten-Spencer' would be a direct attempt to align with Diana's family name, which would be a move to legitimize their claim to royal standing. However, the Spencer family, who have a deep emotional and personal bond with Diana, has refused. The new name would be a symbolic gesture, but the underlying issues, such as the public perception and the fallout from their involvement with the royal family, would still persist.

The Easier Process in the U.S.

Interestingly, in a more informal and less legally restrictive environment such as the United States, changing one's surname is a relatively straightforward process. Here, you simply need to fill out an application form for a name change and provide legal proof such as a gas bill, driver's license, or passport. Once the paperwork is completed, you must visit a notary to have it verified. Finally, the adjusted details are submitted to the Probate Court, where the name change will be reviewed and approved, barring any legal complications associated with the original surname.

The process is relatively simple, but the decision to change one's name in this manner would not address the underlying issues that have clouded Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship with the British royal family. Their faces and names have been ubiquitous in the media, and it is highly unlikely that changing their surname will alter the public perception of them. Hence, the notion of a name change to something like 'Mountbatten-Windsor' or 'Mountbatten-Spencer' could serve more as a symbolic gesture than a practical solution.

The Unchanging Nature of Scandals

Regardless of their surname, the association with scandals that(Constellation) and Meghan have brought to the royal family cannot be erased. The fact that they continue to cause grief, not just to the ailing Queen, but also to the remainder of the royal family, means that the impact of their actions is not limited to a mere change in name. The dynamics and the reputation they have garnered are far more difficult to change than a simple surname modification.

Leopards do not change their spots, and this is particularly true in the case of Harry and Meghan. Their actions have already left a lasting impact, one that cannot be undone by a simple title change. Whether they decide to change their name or not, their legacy and the controversies surrounding them will remain a part of their identity and public perception. The pursuit of a new name, while a symbolic move, does not address the deeper issues that have resulted from their involvement with the royal family.