Why a 'Game of Thrones' name caused passport delay for 6-year-old girl called Khaleesi

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen aka Khaleesi in Game of Thrones. (Image: @crocutamatata/X)

A UK woman’s excitement for a long-awaited family holiday was crushed when her six-year-old daughter’s passport application was rejected. The reason? The child’s name, Khaleesi, inspired by the popular TV series Game of Thrones, was deemed problematic by the UK Passport Office.

Lucy, 39, who resides in Wiltshire, England, was left "devastated" after receiving a rejection letter from the passport office. Officials claimed that they couldn't issue a passport for Khaleesi unless Warner Brothers, the franchise owner, gave permission due to the name's trademark status.

"I was absolutely devastated; we were so looking forward to our first holiday together," Lucy told BBC. The planned trip to Disneyland Paris had been meticulously prepared and saved for, making the rejection an unexpected blow.

After receiving the letter, Lucy sought legal advice and discovered that while Game of Thrones trademarks do exist, they apply to goods and services, not personal names. Her solicitors communicated this to the passport office, but Lucy was informed that a letter from Warner Brothers was still required.

The misunderstanding and frustration mounted until media attention brought a breakthrough. Following public outcry and social media posts, the passport office contacted Lucy to apologise, acknowledging their mistake. They clarified that the guidance staff had provided applied only to name changes, not birth names.

"He advised me that they should be able to process my daughter's passport now," Lucy stated, relieved but wary. She believes that without the publicity, the issue might never have been resolved.

The passport office has since promised to expedite Khaleesi's application, and Lucy is cautiously optimistic about finally booking their Disneyland Paris adventure.

A Home Office spokesperson confirmed to BBC, “We can confirm the application is being processed and apologise to the family for the delay.”

Khaleesi was one of the titles given to Daenerys Targaryen, a lead character portrayed by actor Emilia Clarke. "Khaleesi" means "queen" in the Dothraki language, a nomadic warrior tribe in the series. Daenerys earns this title after marrying Khal Drogo, a Dothraki warlord, and eventually leading them.