Prince Harry dropped the plan to adopt his late mother Princess Diana's maiden name-Spencer-as his own, after seeking advice from his uncle, Earl Charles Spencer.
As per sources, the Duke of Sussex discussed the idea with Earl about exploring the possibility of legally assuming the Spencer surname.
Insiders says the Earl offered his nephew a pragmatic guidance, advising him not to pursue the change due to complex legal hurdles. 'They had a very amicable conversation and Spencer advised him against taking such a step,' a friend of Harry's told the Mail.
Following the discussion, Harry and Meghan chose instead to use 'Sussex' as their family name.'
Harry accepted his uncle's advice that using the Spencer name would be too complicated,' the friend explained.
Though the specific legal challenges were not detailed, Earl Spencer's advice was reportedly a turning point in the couple's decision.
As a result the couple embraced their royal title as a surname, with the change becoming publicly noticeable during Meghan's Netflix series With Love, Meghan, released in March.
In episode two, actress and comedian Mindy Kaling referred to the Duchess as 'Meghan Markle.' Meghan gently corrected her with a smile.
'It's so funny you keep saying 'Meghan Markle'-you know I'm Sussex now,' Meghan told confusing Kaling.