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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteNo. The September 2026 reports do not say Prince Harry has newly given up his Duke of Sussex title or adopted a different surname. They describe a clarification that Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the Royal Family and continue not to use their HRH styles, as agreed in 2020.
What the September 2026 reports say
After Harry and Meghan returned to the UK, a letter from the Lord Chamberlain was sent to government and military officials and lord lieutenants to clarify their status. The Associated Press reported that the letter said the couple would continue not to use royal titles, conduct charity work privately, and have operational security decisions made by the relevant police agencies. The letter was attributed to the Lord Chamberlain, not presented as a direct interview with King Charles. AP reported that it stated: “To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that (this) information be shared.”
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ITV reported that Lord Benyon authored the letter to prevent confusion among officials as the couple undertook public engagements. It said: “There is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.” ITV’s account describes their position as akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
Neither report announces that Harry has surrendered his Duke of Sussex title or changed his surname. The news is a reaffirmation of existing arrangements, not a newly reported personal name change.
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What changed in 2020—and what did not
In January 2020, Buckingham Palace said the Sussexes would step back from royal duties and would not use their HRH styles because they would no longer be working members of the Royal Family. The statement also said they would no longer receive public funds for royal duties. The Palace statement established the arrangement that the 2026 letter reiterated.
Not using HRH is different from having a title removed
A style or title can remain held while its holder chooses not to use it publicly. The House of Commons Library explains that HRH styles can be removed by Letters Patent, but describes Harry and Meghan as having agreed not to use theirs. Its explanation of title removal and non-use also discusses a separate formal action concerning Andrew Mountbatten Windsor in 2025. That action relates to Andrew, not Harry, and is not evidence of a title change for the Duke of Sussex.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Has Harry changed his surname to Mountbatten-Windsor?
The reports do not say that Harry has newly adopted Mountbatten-Windsor as his surname. The College of Arms explains that a 1960 declaration provides that name for descendants of Elizabeth II who do not hold the title Prince or Princess and therefore need a surname. That general naming convention is not proof of a new personal name change by Harry. The College of Arms’ account describes the convention.
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