Skywalker Middle Name sees British Womans Passport Declined
Chris Smith / 10 years ago
Laura Elizabeth Skywalker Matthews, from Southend, decided to honor her favorite series of movies in a somewhat-permanent way – legally adding Skywalker as a middle name. Although no issues have been seen from this previously, she’s recently found out the hard way that it may not be for the best.
At 29 years old, Matthews has this name added to her bank accounts and drivers license, but hit a brick wall when applying for an official British passport – an outright rejection.
Matthews claims that this name change was brought around several years as a joke, but now she’s seeing some unfortunate consequences.
A representative of Britain’s Home Office confirmed the issue to the BBC, stating that name-changes are not accepted on passports if they are subject to copyright of trademarks:
“We have a duty to ensure the reputation of the UK passport is not called into question or disrepute”
Maybe we all should think twice before changing our middle name or Voldemort or Princess Peach. What do you think? Is this law unrealistic, or is the government protecting themselves from a real threat?
Cover image courtesy of The Gnomon Workshop
Article image courtesy of Board Game Geek
