Harry and Meghan considered changing surname to Spencer

However, this plan was apparently shelved after the UK passports for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet were issued almost six months after the initial applications.

Harry and Meghan considered changing surname to Spencer

The passport application was apparantly delayed (Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA) A source claimed that the duke and duchess feared that UK officials were delaying the process because of the applications included HRH titles (His/Her Royal Highness) for both children.

According to The Guardian, a source close to the Sussexes said: “There was clear reluctance to issue passports for the kids.”

However, after three months without receiving the documents because of “technical issues,” it is understood that Harry and Meghan reapplied using the 24-hour passport service, only for their meeting to be cancelled because of a “systems failure”.

The source claimed: “The king hadn’t wanted Archie and Lili to carry the titles, most of all the HRH, and the British passports, once created, would be the first and perhaps the only legal proof of their names”.

They added: “Harry was at a point where British passports for his children with their updated Sussex surnames (since the death of Queen Elizabeth II) were being blocked with a string of excuses over the course of five months.

“Out of sheer exasperation he went to his uncle to effectively say: ‘My family are supposed to have the same name and they’re stopping that from happening because the kids are legally HRH, so if push comes to shove, if this blows up and they won’t let the kids be called Sussex, then can we use Spencer as a surname?’”

It is understood that Prince Harry wants his children to have the HRH titles so that they can decide for themselves in the future if they want to be working royals.

The standard wait time for a UK passport is within three weeks (Image: Phil Harris/Daily Mirror/PA Wire)

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What is the standard wait time for a UK passport?

According to the UK Government website, the standard wait time for a British Passport is within three weeks.

However, this could take longer if more information is required or if applicants need to be interviewed.

The turnaround time may also differ for those applying from another country.

The application time starts when the Passport Office receives an applicant’s documents.