When it comes to naming a new baby, most families focus on choosing the perfect first name.
But in the aristocratic Mountbatten family, the real drama has centered around the surname.
The Mail on Sunday has learned that the family has been quietly debating what surname the newest addition—baby Theodore—should officially carry.
Surprisingly, Theodore’s existence had remained largely under the radar until now.
Meet Theodore, The Mountbatten Family’s First-Born Son of a New Generation
Theodore is the son of Harry Mountbatten, the Earl of Medina, who is the eldest son of George, the Marquess of Milford Haven, and a cousin of the King. Born more than a year ago, Theodore is the first male Mountbatten of his generation.
His mother is Bella Buchanan, 35, the granddaughter of the late Nicholas Parsons, the beloved Radio 4 presenter.
A Twist of Tradition: Titles and Surnames in the Mountbatten Line
As the first-born son in this noble lineage, Theodore would traditionally be in line to inherit family titles.
But because he was born out of wedlock, a rather old-fashioned rule means those titles cannot legally apply to him.
Adding to the complexity, Bella initially did not want Theodore to take the Mountbatten surname after her relationship with Harry ended during her pregnancy.
Changing Names and Family Influence
Official records reveal that Theodore has already had two different surnames in his young life.
His birth certificate first listed him under his mother’s surname, Buchanan, which meant his first passport carried that name.
This was largely because Harry and Bella had separated before Theodore was born.
But the Marquess of Milford Haven stepped in, insisting that his grandson bear the Mountbatten name.
“The Marquess told Harry that the first-born son of his own first-born son must be a Mountbatten.
Harry agreed,” a source revealed. However, Bella was initially reluctant, feeling that Harry’s absence at the birth gave him no right to make such decisions.
Bella’s Change of Heart and the Official Renaming
Eventually, Bella softened her stance, partly because the Marquess is described as a caring and doting grandfather to Theodore.
By October, an updated birth certificate officially renamed the boy Theodore Mountbatten.
This sudden decision meant a last-minute rush to reprint the order of service for Theodore’s christening.
A Family Affair Away from the Public Eye
Though largely kept out of the spotlight, Theodore is a regular visitor in the Marquess’s home.
Described as looking “every inch a Mountbatten” with his striking blue eyes and blond hair, he has quietly become a beloved family member.
Interestingly, a recent Tatler article about the family’s grandchildren did not mention Theodore, signaling the family’s intention to keep things discreet.
Living Arrangements and Family Ties
Harry currently resides in a multi-million-pound Knightsbridge home, while Bella and Theodore live nearby in rented accommodation.
The Mountbatten family has a history of name changes—most famously when they anglicised their German-sounding surname from Battenberg to Mountbatten during World War I due to anti-German sentiment.
Bella’s Work and Harry’s Heartfelt Message
Bella works part-time with Four Mamas, an organization supporting women through pregnancy and motherhood.
She has declined to comment on Theodore or the family discussions.
Meanwhile, Harry expressed his affection for his son, saying, “Like all of his cousins, he is surrounded by our warm family that love him more than anything.
I can’t wait for all our adventures in the future.”