Prince Harry's 'Spencer move' dubbed as ultimate break from Royal family

Prince Harry has come under fire for reportedly planning to make a bold and symbolic move-changing his surname to Spencer.

The Duke of Sussex is believed to have contacted his uncle, Earl Charles Spencer, to discuss the potential change during a recent trip to the UK, according to DailyMail.

Speaking to GB News, broadcaster Anne Diamond reacted to the development, saying: 'I can't think of a more hurtful insult that Harry could deliver to his father.  To say, I no longer want your name. I want my mother's name. It's like declaring a divorce, only worse.' 

If Prince Harry goes ahead with the change, it is believed his children-Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet would also adopt the Spencer surname.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams weigned in, stating that such a move highlights the 'toxicity' of the ongoing royal rift. 

King Charles, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, is known to hold the Mountbatten-Windsor name in high regard, just as his father, Prince Philip, did.

The news comes amid fresh headlines involving Meghan Markle. During an episode of her Netflix show, 'With Love, Meghan', she corrected actress Mindy Kaling for calling her 'Meghan Markle', saying 'I'm Sussex now.

If the surname change goes ahead, it may deepen  already sustained family ties, with commentators viewing it as a serious and personal statement against the royal institution.