Meghan Markle announces her full legal name months after debuting new surname

The Duchess of Sussex has spoken candidly about royal life and her identity in a new interview released on YouTube on 26 August. Meghan Markle appeared on The Circle with Emily Chang, coinciding with the launch of the latest season of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan.

During the conversation, Meghan reflected on past pressures, admitting she once felt “inauthentic” in her royal role. She recalled being required to wear nude tights, remarking: “Let’s be honest, that was not very myself.”

She explained that being able to dress and speak freely now makes her feel far more authentic. “When you can show up as yourself, say what’s true, and feel comfortable in your own skin—that’s real,” she said. Meghan added that she no longer feels the need to prove herself.

The interview also touched on a subject that has sparked much speculation: her surname. Earlier this year, Meghan revealed how meaningful it was for her, Prince Harry, and their children to share the same family name.

In her Netflix series, she joked with friend Mindy Kaling, who kept referring to her as “Meghan Markle.” Meghan replied, “You know I’m Sussex now… it just means so much to share that name with my kids.”

Pressed further by Chang, Meghan clarified that “Sussex” is not technically her legal last name. Instead, it represents her dukedom and is used informally as the family’s shared identity.

Ultimately, Meghan confirmed: “My legal name is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. But Sussex works as our family name, and it’s the name we all share.”