These incredible stories and photos of Meghan show the world where she comes from and what she was all about before becoming one of the most talked-about women in the world. Some of what you see may really surprise you, that’s for sure!
Her Parents Met on a Soap Opera
It doesn't get any more romantic than this (forget the outcomes for a moment). It's as if Meghan Markle's parents, have a fairy tale of their own. Thomas Markle, Meghan's father, has Irish and Dutch backgrounds. Her mother, Doria, was working on a soap opera set at the same time as Thomas, and that's where it all began.
Doria was training as a makeup artist and he was a lighting and photographer director. They were captivated by love very fast. If only they would have known that one day, their own love story, would produce a real prince and princess legend.
Her Real Name
It may interest you to know that the Duchess of Sussex’s name at birth was actually completely different from the one everyone uses these days. Meghan was born as Rachel Meghan Markle, but she didn’t really care too much for being called Rachel and liked the sound of the latter, so her legal first name was dropped altogether, and today no one knows the star as anything other than Meghan Markle.
Meghan couldn't have imagined, that three decades later, and with a life full of stories, she would marry into a family, that not only kept their full names, but they usually had more than three to carry.
A Home Full of Inspiration
Her father, Thomas Markle, is of European descent, while her mother is African-American. On her mother’s side, the Duchess's great-great-great-grandfather, literally chose his family's last name, Wisdom. Meghan has always been very proud of where she comes from, and that’s probably in large part due to how she was raised. Meghan described in one interview how her father surprised her for Christmas one year when she really wanted this particular Barbie family set.
Thomas bought 2 sets and rearranged them so that the dolls took after her own family. She said, “there was a black mom doll, a white dad doll, and a child in each color.” Beautiful! Here’s to hoping she and her father are able to work things out in the near future. Meghan has devoted her life to inspiring others, and now she is in the perfect position to be able to do just that for millions of young people all over the world!
Married With Children
Meghan grew up in a family that was involved in the entertainment industry. She very well may have been following in her father's footsteps when she decided to go into showbiz herself. Dad worked as a lighting director on some huge hits back in the 1970s and 1980s. One of the most famous shows he worked on, is one we all know and love.
Meghan Markle spent most of her childhood days on the set of "Married With Children." She says that for almost ten years, she would go to the studios after school, which was great fun (especially after spending all day at catholic school).
Father Thomas
The Duchess has always had a very close relationship with her mother and father. Before marrying Doria, Meghan's mother, he was married to Roslyn Loveless and had two children with her, Meghan's half-brother Thomas and half-sister Samantha. Meghan is the youngest of his children and he currently lives in Baja, California.
During Meghan's childhood, she was very close to him, but unfortunately, things didn't go according to plan as the years went by, and Meghan's father didn't even show up at the royal wedding. We are not exactly too sure why he did not attend his own daughter's wedding.
She Gets “It” From Her Mother
Meghan grew up in a family that always worked to make sure she had the best opportunities and directions in life. Her mother and father put her in the best schools and programs and tried to show her the way they thought was best. This meant ensuring that she followed along in mother Doria’s path of higher education.
The actress started out her journey in one of Hollywood’s best preschools before moving up and attending an all-girls Catholic school. She may not have received a master’s degree of her own, like her mother, but she’s created a life for herself that doesn’t really require it.
Winning the Jackpot
As it turns out, Meghan's father has had some exciting turns throughout his life, just like his daughter's exciting events. Even though, according to Meghan’s brother, Tom, she “won the life lottery” when she married a Prince, she is apparently not the only member in the Markle family who has ever won a jackpot.
When she was a kid, her father won close to $1 million in the lottery. Not every person gets to say that! Sadly for him, he opted for some unsuccessful investments with that money. However, he also used some of it to pay the bill for Meghan’s private school.
Family Matters
There is no question that Meghan is a family-oriented person, as she has an incredibly close bond with her mother still today. Unfortunately, her becoming one of the most famous women in the world means that some family drama has been coming to light. Since long before she tied the knot to Prince Harry, the media has not been too kind to some members of the Markle clan.
Meghan’s brother, Thomas Markle Jr. has had his fair share of bad news. In 2017, he was taken into custody, and sometime later he was arrested for a DUI. Tom’s ex-wife Tracy told "The Daily Mail" that he had a drinking issue but that he really didn’t want his negative press to embarrass the Duchess.
Preparing for This Life Since Childhood
It’s pretty amazing to see all of the tell-tale signs of where Meghan was headed in life. At just 5 years old, she played the role of flower girl at a family member’s wedding. She started prepping for royalty by getting accustomed to uncomfortable lace dresses and being the center of attention when walking down the aisle.
A few decades later, she would be walking down the aisle again. This time, however, it would be to marry a prince in a gorgeous, custom-made designer gown that costs more than most cars. Something tells us that no matter how much fun she had as a flower girl, it was nothing compared to being the most talked-about bride in the world.
She’s Been Fighting For Social Justice Since Childhood
While most 11-year-olds are busy playing video games, 11-year-old Meghan Markle had bigger and better things in mind. After she saw a sexist Ivory commercial that targeted women as the only humans in a household capable of cleaning dishes, she sprang into action. The actress made her very first appearance on television before she was even technically a teenager – and she did it to try and make a difference in the world.
When she was just 12 years old, Meghan Markle appeared on Nick News (Nickelodeon) to discuss a letter she’d written to the Ivory company. She expressed how she (and her classmates) were unhappy with the way the commercial made it seem as though women were lesser than men. In response to her letter, Ivory changed the wording in the commercial from “women are fighting greasy pots and pans” to “people are fighting greasy pots and pans.”
Princess Meghan
Meghan started her acting career a lot younger than you may think. During her younger days, she played the role of Sleeping Beauty in the school's play. And as it turns out, that wouldn’t be the last time she’d find herself in the role of a princess.
If you search out Meghan’s official royal title, you will find her mainly referred to as the Duchess of Sussex. Technically, however, it turns out that Meghan actually is a princess. Although, she is not to have the official title in her name. So, if this isn’t too confusing, she is a princess, but not “Princess Meghan.”
Little Red School House
Meghan has been adorable since she was a kid and went into acting at a very early age. She was always a charmer and always wanted to be at the front part of the stage. The duchess had a fairly normal childhood, and even though she lived in Los Angeles and attended the Little Red Schoolhouse, she still grew up under considerably “regular” circumstances, compared to what her own children may face during their childhoods.
After all, Archie was already one of the world’s most famous faces before he even turned one. According to reports by those close to the family, however, Meghan and Harry plan to try and give their children the most grounded childhood as is possible.
She Was a Queen Before a Duchess
Most of us would probably find it hard to transition from regular life in jeans and t-shirts to the life of an actual member of a royal family. Lucky for Meghan, she had an early start — as early as high school! On the night of her homecoming dance – she was voted queen.
If you know about Meghan’s teenage years, you probably know that she actually attended an all-girls high school. Fortunately, the administrators at her school still allowed the boys to come over for dances and other special occasions. And perhaps this is where she got her first taste of what it's like to be the queen bee.
Her Philanthropic Streak
The kind-hearted persona the duchess displays in public reveals where she comes from. According to reports from friends and family, Meghan has always had a philanthropic streak. In fact, she and her parents used to visit nursing homes and hospices to bring meals and joy to the residents when she was just a kid.
Since before she was even 12 years old, she has been showing her true colors to the world through the work she’s done. From her very first appearance on television to the ones she makes today, she is always showing her support for those who may not have as big of a voice as she does.
Gorgeous Meg
Friends and teachers alike absolutely raved about Meghan when asked about her during her teenage years. She was not only incredibly beautiful on the outside, but on the inside, too. It seems that Meghan wasn’t the only one who believed that she was destined for greatness.
Anytime one of her friends talks about her childhood, they said that there were always “signs” that she was headed down a special life path. And now that she has achieved her dream of acting, she is achieving every other woman's dream too since she married one of the most famous princes of all time.
First Job at Humphrey Yogurt
Humphrey Yogurt in Los Angeles California has probably doubled its revenue, after Meghan Markle revealed that her first job, at the age of 13 was at the ice cream parlor, where she served frozen yogurt. In a recent interview with Oprah in 2021, Markle briefly spoke about her time there.
She stated that she has always valued independence and perhaps that was why she started working there at such a young age. Humphrey has turned into a tourist attraction, and the following day after the interview was aired, customers were already standing in line outside the store, even before opening hours.
She Dated Regular Guys
Even though she has totally hit the jackpot with her current husband, she still played the field as a younger woman. Although she believed that she was destined for grand things in life, she remained with two feet on the ground when it came to dating and went out with simple, regular men. Even in high school, she apparently dated a few boys who attended the all-boys school St Francis in La Canada, California.
One of these boys was her first long-term boyfriend, Luis Segura, who she met through his sister. During her time in college, the actress was already auditioning for as many small parts as she could to gain experience and get her foot in the door while simultaneously earning her degree.
Northwestern University School of Communication
Meghan was associated with the Kappa Kappa Gamma during her days in university. She was a part of the sorority at her alma mater from 2000-2003 and always made a point to be as involved as possible with all of their events and outings. Of course, it was during this time that she also started taking on her first small roles in Hollywood.
After the newly married royal couple announced their engagement, Laura Wayward, from Northwestern’s Alumni Association, reached out on social media to congratulate the former student. Surprisingly, she included in her note that the royal family already sort of had a connection to that school, pre-Meghan, and Harry. As it turns out, Princess Diana visited the campus in the mid-’90s.
She Partied in College (Duh)
According to some of her friends, she was never a goody-two-shoes type. In fact, she actually had quite the wild streak in college. Well, wild by her standards, anyway. The communications major had to work her way through school but couldn’t find many good jobs due to her being under 21.
The solution? One of Meghan’s former sorority sisters reported during an interview that she used a fake ID. While she did use it to drink with her friends at the bars on occasion, she initially got it so she could get a job working at a club. What a clever move!
Briefcase Beauty Queen
One of the first big opportunities that came along for Meghan in her acting years was her role as a model on the show "Deal or No Deal." Her job was to stand there and either make someone’s day (or lifetime) or crush their dreams and send them home empty-handed. Although it may not have been a major part, it was still a speaking role on a nationally syndicated show.
She stayed with the program for a few years before moving on. She was trying to figure out who she was and what life path was best for her. She told "Esquire" magazine that she viewed her role on the show as a learning experience that helped her focus on what she truly wanted to be and do.
She Was Married Before
Long ago, before Markle married a handsome red-headed prince, she was married to a tall, blonde film producer. This is a picture of Meghan in her previous life when she was acting in Hollywood, married to Trevor Engelson, a talent manager, and a Hollywood producer. Meghan and Trevor said "I do" in 2011 after 7 years of dating.
However, they ended things two years later, citing “irreconcilable differences”. An insider says that Meghan is the one who actually decided to call things off and even reported that it happened “very suddenly.” Some rumors suggest that Engelson is working on producing a comedy about divorce that is centered around the royals. We’ll definitely keep our eyes peeled for that one!
Yoga is, and Always Has Been, Her Go-To Workout
Fitness was one of the most important things in the star’s daily regimen. Running around the park for cardio wasn’t anything out of the norm on a typical workout day for the Dutchess. At one point, she was reportedly kicking back at Frogmore Cottage and taking things much easier.
The one thing that was definitely still on her post-baby workout list? Yoga! The idea to practice yoga postpartum came from her mother, Doria, who did the same after giving birth to her. As Meghan continued with yoga throughout her pregnancy, baby Archie was a yogi before he ever even stepped foot into the world!
She and Her Mom Are Very Close
As we all know, things between Meghan and her father’s side of the family may be on the rocks these days, but her relationship with her mother seems to be completely the opposite, as they have always been very close. Doria, who used to be a yoga instructor before entering the field of social work, lives in California, still in the same house that the duchess grew up in.
Doria was right there by her daughter’s side when she gave birth and apparently, Harry is pretty fond of having her around, too, and was once quoted as saying that he thinks she’s “amazing.”
She’s Played Maid of Honor
With all eyes on Meghan during her beautiful wedding ceremony with Prince Harry, some people may not remember that at one point, she was someone else’s maid of honor. In 2016, she stood by her friend Lindsay’s side in a sleek peach-colored bridesmaid dress and watched as she tied the knot to another one of their friends.
Little did she know then that just a few years later, she would be getting married to her actual Prince Charming. Speaking of bridesmaids, Meghan Markle’s helpers – all of whom were under the age of 10 – looked adorable walking down the aisle. Among the girls were Princess Charlotte and Zalie Warren.
She Loves to Laugh
If Meghan didn’t have an awesome sense of humor, she wouldn’t have ended up with Harry, according to an inside source. The prince was looking for someone who could make him laugh, and he definitely found that in the former "Suits" star. Check out this picture of her with a buddy, Markus Anderson, from her 2016 birthday celebration.
But who exactly is Markus Anderson, and how does the duchess know him? Anderson works as a consultant for Soho House, a members-only club for creatives. In fact, it was at one of the club’s houses that he set up the first introduction between Meghan and Harry. They are all apparently still good friends.
Hanging Out with Her Best Friend
While Markus Anderson may have given them the space to get to know each other, it may have actually been Meghan’s best friend and fellow actress, Priyanka Chopra, that we have to thank for initially introducing her to the prince. The women met at an all women’s event for "ELLE" in 2016 and they immediately hit it off.
Priyanka got married herself, to pop star Nick Jonas in a lavish ceremony in India. The event took place in December 2018 and was one of the most highly anticipated weddings of the year. But even though Priyanka was in attendance at Meghan’s nuptials, the duchess couldn’t make it out to support her bestie on her big day.
Meghan's Blog and More
During her bachelorette years, Meghan Markle wrote a blog. It was named The Tig, after her favorite red wine at the time. What started as a simple canvas for expression and sharing her life loves, turned into a supporting and inspiring platform for the community, covering travel, food, and insights. Obviously, when Meghan tied the knot with Harry, the blog had to be suspended.
The Tig was not the only blog Meghan wrote. Apparently, a decade before then, "The Working Actress" was written, covering the dark side of trying to succeed as a Hollywood actress. The blog was published anonymously and holds juicy scripts we are not sure would pass very easily today.
Degree in International Relations
Meghan's early years are not only about Hollywood and acting. At the beginning of 2003, Markle graduated from Northwestern's School of Communication and earned herself a bachelor's degree. According to sources, she always considered herself ‘a theatre nerd’ who wanted to pursue a world of politics at college. She commented: "I knew I wanted to do acting, but I hated the idea of being this cliché — a girl from L.A. who decides to be an actress."
She initially wanted to study English but ended up changing paths and finishing with a double major. At college, she was also a member of a sorority by the name of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She double-majored in theater (unsurprisingly) and international relations studies. These degrees surely came in handy.
Meghan Knows How to Fire
There are so many dreams and achievements we have in life such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and, don’t forget.....shooting a firearm. As part of preparing for a role she wanted, while staying in British Columbia, Canada, Meghan Markle took a gun firing training session that lasted for one day. Allegedly, she took these gun training lessons in 2009.
We are not sure exactly which role she was preparing for. All we know is that she has gained yet another skill. So, after achieving this goal in her life, she could surely comfortably join the royal family with their royal traditions of hunting. Meghan was ready to show the Brits how it's done the American way.
First TV Appearance
"General Hospital" is an American soap opera, which was first broadcast in the 1960s. And it is the longest-running TV show in American history. Meghan Markle's first TV appearance was on this show, in 2002. She played Nurse Jill and appeared in one episode only.
The drama is still running today and follows the intertwined lives of friends, families, enemies, and lovers in a busy hospital, upscale hotel, and a dangerous waterfront in the upstate city of Port Charles, New York. Since then, "General Hospital" has had a number of celeb stars, and Meghan has had other moments of fame on the screen.
2006's Deceit
"Deceit" was Meghan Markle's first appearance in a full-length drama thriller movie. Her role was small and modest. She played the friend of one of the lead characters. "Deceit" is about crime, and politics, women and men, police officers. And of course, Meghan Markle is in it. In summary, the movie follows a man who returns to his hometown following his father’s death.
This rekindles old friendships with a now-married couple in which he later falls in love with the married woman. This movie was definitely the kickstart of her on-screen career, which ended a decade later, but with a very happy ending.
Beverly Hills 90210
Hold your horses, we are not referring to the iconic 1990 TV hit that we were all glued to. You are reading about "Beverly Hills," a 90210 franchise TV show, which aired in 2008 with totally different actors and a whole different plot. In this series, the star managed to star in two episodes out of the 114 episodes that aired.
In one of these episodes, Meghan has a very short scene and plays the role of the girl one of the characters was unfaithful with. The scene took place in a car, something the royal duchess assumably would prefer to erase.
Remember Me? Meghan Surely Remembers Him!
So, we covered the fact that Meghan was married to Trevor Engelson before her days of marrying into royalty. Their marriage lasted for just under three years, but apparently, a personal love life was not the only thing that linked these two together. There was more to it than just that.
In 2010 the movie "Remember Me" came out, starring, amongst others, Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin. Meghan had a small role in this movie as a bartender. What not too many people know, is that Trevor was the co-producer of this movie, making everything a whole lot more interesting.
CSI: Miami
"CSI: Miami" has been on the screens for more than two decades, and also, this show has a bit of a royal spark. It has been classed as one of the best TV shows of all time and features in the top ten in almost every country it was broadcasted.
Meghan played Officer Leah Montoya on an episode in 2010. In one appearance, Officer Leah is pulled out of a burning building making Meghan almost unrecognizable. In addition to that, her role on this show was so short, that we assume it had almost no impact on her acting career.
Not One to Remember
By the name of this next movie, you probably understand that this was not one of Meghan Markle's highlights. "The Boys And Girls Guide To Getting Down" started off as a cheap independent movie in 2006, but then in 2011, it turned into a TV movie.
It was part narrative and part documentary and covered instructions in the adult world. Meghan played Dana, a young lady in her 20s who enjoys the wildlife LA has to offer. This is definitely one she would love to forget since it got a lot of bad reviews from critics and audiences alike.
You Can See Her in Horrible Bosses
"Horrible Bosses" featured top actors such as Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacy, Jamie Foxx, and Jason Bateman, just to name a few, which is already something to be proud of. It's not every day you get to play in a movie with first-class talents such as those we just mentioned.
We know that playing the role of a FedEx delivery girl is not really a highlight in any actor's career, but she got to have her name listed on the credits with all of those big stars, which, let’s face it, is much more than you can say about yourself.
London Calling
Many years before Meghan Markle landed in Buckingham Palace, she played the role of the girlfriend of one of the characters, and took place in London, not knowing that in a few years' time, it would become her permanent home (well, for the first few months after her wedding anyway).
"Anti-Social" was released in 2015 and covered a jewelry robbery blended into the story of a relationship between two brothers and what comes between them. It was no big hit, Meghan is not remembered for her acting abilities but playing a role in London must have paved the path for the future.
Dater's Handbook — Hallmark
Meghan Markle not only appeared in low-budget TV movies and shows. In 2016, she starred in the Hallmark movie "Dater's Handbook" and played the role of Cass. Cass was a successful businesswoman with a not-very-successful love life. It was this rom-com movie that introduced her to a wider audience.
Meghan said in one of her interviews that she enjoyed doing this movie because she felt many women would be able to relate to the story. The story of trying to balance working life with one's love life. Is this one of her career highlights? No. But still, a movie to remember.
When Sparks Fly
Another Hallmark movie featuring the Duchess. In "When Sparks Fly," Meghan plays the role of a journalist who returns to her hometown to write an article. She surprisingly discovers that everything she left behind, seeking new adventures in her life, remained exactly the same as it was.
She then realizes that what she thought was unnecessary in her life, was just what she needed to make it complete. Just like Prince Charming, we suppose. We all need one to make our lives complete. Don't you think? The movie had mixed reviews and only got a rating of 5.1/10 on the site IMDb.
It's Time for Century City
"Century City" aired in 2004 and lasted for just under a year due to low ratings. Meghan started her law-acting career on this show, as this too was a legal drama. This was good practice for her "Suits" future. The sci-fi drama series only ran for one season over nine episodes and was headlined by actors Nestor Carbonell, Viola Davis and Ioan Gruffudd.
It was produced by the same producers of the famed series “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: UK.” Although the role was small, her appearance was grand as more surprises were waiting for her down the line.
A Lot Like Love
One of the early acting gigs that Meghan scored was in 2005’s “A Lot Like Love,” which starred Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet. She even shared the screen with Ashton briefly in a scene onboard an airplane which is how the main characters ultimately meet in the film. Although her role was brief, she was definitely a shining star in her moments on the screen.
After the engagement to her 'Prince Charming' became public, Meghan stated that she would be leaving showbiz. Meghan said, “I think what’s been so exciting [transitioning] out of my career and into, as you said, the causes I can focus even more energy on, very early out of the gate, [is that you] have a voice that people listen to, a lot of responsibility.”
Her Grand Appearance
Meghan Markle spent almost a decade of her life on the set of "Suits." She is practically known for this role, and it was this role that shot her into the pits of fame. "Suits" first aired in 2011 and immediately became a hit. If only we had known that one of the fresh and exciting appearances on the show would soon become one of the most famous women in the world.
Rachel Zane (played by Markle) evolved and developed along the seasons, showing Meghan's true acting abilities. When Harry, Prince Charming came into the picture, she had to, unfortunately, leave the show, and dedicate her life to becoming...a royal.
Hang Out All Night Long
Meghan's life in Canada before entering fairytale land was pretty much - wonderful. Shooting "Suits" was one of the main reasons for being there, and the entire cast became really good friends, spending free time together is one of the cast's vacation homes.
It must have been a marvelous chapter in her life since the series sprawled over nine seasons from 2011 to 2019. Although the joint-life of Meghan and the "Suits" cast ended when she met Harry in the summer of 2016, there was still one big event they would all end up going to together. The so-called wedding.
There Were Other Men Before Prince Harry
Prince Harry may be the last, but he is definitely not the first known celeb that tried to make a move with Meghan Markle. Ashley Cole, a well-known English Soccer Player showed interest in dating Meghan. He was obsessed with watching her in “Suits” and following her on Twitter and repeatedly asking her out.
A few good friends and acquaintances of hers warned her and said Ashley Cole is not a guy she could have a future with and described him as an imbalanced womanizer. After hearing that, she didn't even give him a chance, and things never seemed to go anywhere between the two.
She Learned How to Drive a Stick Shift
When Meghan was seated in a manual (or stick shift) car, she didn't know what she was supposed to do. She has an automatic car driver's license (like most of us in the states), but in one of the movies she played in, a manual one was required, so of course she either needed to learn how to drive it or they had to get another car.
Apparently, she had to learned how to operate that car, within an hour. Something quite incredible to do. Although manual geared cars as rare to find these days, it is always good to have the knowledge.
She Has Some Hidden Talents
While it’s no secret that Meghan Markle is a talented actress and a beautiful wife and mother, there are some things about her that may not be so well-known. She’s worked a series of odd jobs and gigs while she was in college and before she made her big break on "Suits." Not only did she pick up roles here and there on television, but she also utilized one skill that may not be so common in Hollywood – calligraphy.
Between 2004 and 2005, the actress could be found at a store in Beverly Hills teaching others how to rock some perfect handwriting skills. She also put her talents to good use in other ways, like handwriting the invitations for Robin Thicke’s wedding. Something tells us that her talent in calligraphy is definitely going to come in handy as a royal. The Duchess certainly has quite an extensive list of skills and experience!
How She Styles Herself Without Spending a Fortune
Calligraphy, acting, philanthropy, is there anything she isn’t good at? Among Meghan’s random list of job history and talents lies a fashion line that she launched back in 2016. Before she became a princess, Meghan lived out in Toronto, where "Suits" was filmed. She linked up with the Canadian retailer, Reitmans, to design a flirty and feminine collection of dresses for their stores.
The beauty of the fashion line was that Meghan had everything to do with it, from inception to creation. Her collection targeted beauties who are on a budget. She reported in an interview that since she knew what it was like to grow up without a ton of money, she wanted to help other women feel beautiful even if they couldn’t spend thousands of dollars on their wardrobes. The collection included several dresses in different styles, from mini to maxi.
She’s an Advocate for Women and Girls
Meghan has accomplished incredible feats by any standards, and she chooses to use the voice she’s created for herself to speak out against inequality. She shrugs off the haters who look down on her for her background as a model and actress. But the truth is, working in those industries only made her stronger and made her want to rally behind women everywhere that much more.
In 2017, she traveled to India to campaign for young girls. A video released by World Vision UK shows the Duchess speaking out against the lack of sanitary bathroom facilities for girls in India’s public schools. These days, she supports a multitude of organizations that work to make conditions better for girls and women around the world. Some of her affiliations include Hubb Community Kitchen and Smart Works.
She Stands Firm in the Political Arena
Even though the Duchess is a member of the British royal family now, she still holds very firmly to her own beliefs. She is incredibly passionate about her stance on equality, and apparently, the prince feels the same way! Now that she holds such a public position, she plans to use her new status to continue to be a voice for women everywhere. In 2015, she delivered a powerful speech at the UN Women Conference where she said, “I am proud to be a woman and a feminist.”
Hillary Clinton, who Meghan has always looked up to, also spoke at the conference. The Duchess has been seen with several prominent Democratic figures, including former president Barack Obama. She has also met the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau. But how does she feel about President Trump? According to her words during an interview on The Nightly Show in 2016, “he’s misogynistic.”
She Has Friends in High Places
Meghan Markle’s sister Samantha once said that the duchess could be very calculated when it comes to creating her circle of friends – and that may be true, considering it’s full of A-listers and other influential people. Just check out this shot of her hanging out at a special tennis match with Serena Williams. Williams and Meghan met in 2014, and she was so impressed with the athlete that she raved about her on her blog, The Tig. Apparently, the women hit it off almost immediately and remain friends to this day.
Recently she’s rumored to have hit it off with Priyanka Chopra, one of India’s most well-known and highest-paid celebs. Chopra also happened to win the Miss World pageant back in 2000. That’s a pretty impressive resume if we don’t say so ourselves! The duchess has also recently been seen hanging out with George Clooney’s gorgeous wife, Amal. It’s no wonder Amal and Meghan hit it off, considering Amal works as a human rights attorney and Meghan is such a philanthropist.
What a Politician
The world of politics has always fascinated Meghan. The interesting (in her eyes) world of politics has played an important role in her personal life as she has always seen this world as a world that leads to change. A world that will make the difference she prays for. She is engaged and is interested in current affairs, and even jokes about running for office (which will not happen now for sure).
Being part of the royal family, one is expected to keep their political opinions to themselves snd not take sides. Apparently, she insisted on keeping her American citizenship when she married Harry, just in case she changed her mind in the future (regarding running for president that is).
Meghan, Mom and the Engagement
Meghan has always had an extremely close relationship with her mom, Doria. In fact, she was one of the few people who knew about her daughter’s engagement before the Prince proposed. According to "People Magazine," Harry, being the perfect gentleman that he is, made sure to ask her for Meghan’s hand in marriage before asking the actress herself. Awww!
The official announcement of the royal engagement was made in late November of 2017. Subsequently, Meghan made an announcement of her own, stating that she would be retiring from the acting industry. Well, yeah! We know that it was always her dream and all, but she accomplished it, and we’d say that she has a lot more on her plate these days, wouldn’t you? As you can imagine, it would be pretty difficult to manage both being a member of the British royal family and an actress in Hollywood.
An Adorable Engagement Story
If you’re expecting some outrageous engagement tale of how the prince rented out an entire city to propose to the duchess, you’ll be sorely disappointed. But if you’re a fan of sweet stories of two people who quite obviously love each other – settle in because the way Harry proposed to Meghan is way too cute. The duchess told "Town and Country Magazine" that he got on one knee when they were enjoying a quiet evening at home roasting a chicken. Of course, he waited until he had the full blessing of both the late queen and Meghan’s parents before he popped the question.
The couple officially announced their engagement in November of 2017, in an official notice that revealed the royal wedding would be taking place in the spring of the following year. During their photo recall at Kensington Palace, one reporter asked Harry when it was that he knew Meghan was “the one.” His response? “The moment I met her.” Could they be any more perfect?
Check Out That Rock
It’s not uncommon for a new bride to fall in love with the new rock on her finger. You know the drill – posting one too many pictures of themselves holding things close up on social media, along with basically shoving their hands in their friend’s faces to ensure they’ve gotten a good look. But no matter how nice any of them thought their rings were, we’re pretty sure they didn’t have anything on the one that Harry gave Meghan when he proposed in 2017. It’s no wonder the duchess couldn’t stop staring at her fingers.
After all, there are pieces of Princess Diana’s ring in the one she’s wearing. Prince Harry designed Meghan’s engagement ring himself, and he spared no expense – or detail. But unlike most members of the royal family, Harry’s taste is a bit more modern. The prince picked out a trilogy ring, which ended up costing over $150,000. Although, considering the fact Diana’s stones were added, the piece is priceless. The ring has been referred to as the most famous engagement ring in the world.
Leaked Nudes Almost Wreak Havoc
Life hasn't always been a fairytale for Meghan. Before the royal wedding, rumors began circulating that some nude photos of the "Suits" star on vacation were floating around the web. As you can imagine, the late Queen and the rest of the royal family were presumably not pleased about this, but a scandalous photo doesn’t have the same effect in 2019 as it did in 1940. After all, lots of celebrities have dealt with this, including the former first lady of the US, Melania Trump, and even Prince Harry himself.
In fact, Meghan isn’t even the only current Duchess to deal with leaked nudes. Kate Middleton, AKA the Prince of Wales, went through her own media scandal back in 2012 when she was photographed sunbathing topless in the south of France. Things actually got so heated that at one point, there were talks of lawsuits in the works. Luckily, things eventually died down, and everyone lived happily ever after.
More Family Drama
Thomas Markle was accused of staging several pictures before the royal wedding, which made it seem as though he was indeed getting ready to fly out to London. The accusations are one of a series of unfortunate steps Meghan’s father took to embarrass the Duchess in the media. Her family members at Kensington Palace are not having any of it, either.
One source told reporters that everyone is just ready for the drama to end. Meanwhile, Samantha Grant’s book hit the stands, which probably made Meghan a bit nervous. After all, she already made a very public announcement about her feelings for her sister, including that she sees her as a shallow “social climber” that has always wanted to be a princess. Grant got herself an agent for the book who mentioned that it was “very well written.”
Meghan’s Estranged Family Members
The Duchess has shaken off several attempts of sabotage by different family members, including her half-sister, Samantha Grant, and her dad. Samantha shares a father with Meghan and admits that her relationship with the ex-"Suits" star has been non-existent for as many as 10 years. Grant has been diagnosed with MS and is now restricted to a wheelchair. Her tell-all book, "The Diary of Princess Pushy’s Sister," has changed its title to "A Tale of Two Sisters." But it isn’t just her sister who she hasn’t spoken to in a very long time.
Meghan’s relationship with her father’s side of the family has been rocky for some time now. When she gave birth to her son, Archie, and celebrated with the royal family and her mother, Doria. But her father, brother, and sister were nowhere in sight. It may have something to do with the fact they have continuously tried to humiliate her publicly. Luckily, some of her relatives have reached out to apologize.
So What Happened?
None of the news about the way things were between Meghan and her father was very positive. Most brides have their fathers walk them down the aisle on their big day, but Meghan’s father wasn’t even in the building. So, what gives? What happened between them that caused such a huge rift?
In 2018, the Duchess wrote a very personal and heartfelt letter to her father, asking him to please stop believing everything he sees on the internet. In response, Thomas Markle posted the letter all over social media, only causing a further dispute. After the birth of his grandson, reports are that he was not invited to London to meet him, either.
From Cali to Kensington
The prince and the duchess had two very different childhoods. While the former actress grew up in California and spent most of her young years living in Crenshaw, Harry spent his days playing on the lavish, well-manicured lawns of Kensington Palace. And while Meghan’s summers were spent soaking up the rays on the beaches of Los Angeles, now she’s on royal mummy duty and is lucky to find a few seconds to herself each day.
The duchess was recently criticized for her behavior during an appearance at Wimbledon, during which time one official said, “she was a nightmare.” Fans in the area were also not too happy after her bodyguards ordered them not to snap any photos with their cell phones. Apparently, Meghan just wanted to have a nice outing and was sort of over having everyone in her face for pictures.
Harry is Not His Real Name
So we know that Meghan is not the Duchess's first given name, but what about HRH Prince Harry? Was he named that at birth? Apparently not. It's Henry. It's actually Henry Charles Albert David, and because he's a member of the royal family, he doesn't have a last name, like us simple people. Just imagine a life without a last name.
So, if Harry doesn't have a last name, does this mean that baby Archie doesn't have one either? Not necessarily. Archie's full name is Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Their daughter Lili goes by Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, honoring Harry’s mother and grandmother.
She is His Second True Love
So, Harry was not the first to put a ring around Meghan's finger, but Meghan was not the first lady that Harry was madly in love with. Chelsy Davy is what is known as Harry's mythological ex. The two dated on and off after meeting for the first time in South Africa.
A beautiful blond that just couldn't handle the pressure of being related to a royal or being in the celebrity spotlight all the time, and ended their relationship after seven years of dating. Things ended peacefully between the two, and Meghan even approved of Chelsy attending the royal wedding.
A Princess, But Not “Princess Meghan”
Little girls all over America dream of being a princess someday and Meghan has shown them that anything is possible! But officially speaking, she won’t be claiming the formal title of Princess. Rather, when she and Harry tied the knot, they became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Technically speaking, though, she’s still considered a princess. Confusing, we know! Incredibly, Meghan wasn’t the first woman (or actress, even) in America to live the dream.
Grace Kelly is a gorgeous actress that graced the screens back in the 1950s. And in the same way that Meghan captured Prince Harry’s heart, Grace stole the heart of Prince Rainier of Monaco. The two were married, and the starlet was then known as Princess Grace. But that isn’t the only thing the Royals have in common – they also both quit acting after the nuptials. But hey, if being a princess isn’t the role of a lifetime, we don’t know what is!
She Loves Her American Roots
While some members of the royal family may consider Meghan to be a little too Americanized, she isn’t about to change herself for anyone. No siree! She’s proud of who she is and where she comes from and knows that it’s what makes her so strong (and let’s not forget opinionated!)
Apparently, the late Duke of Edinburgh approved, too, with a source saying that he liked the Duchess because “she’s bold.” Word is it’s because Archie already spends enough time around his British family, and she wants him to be well-rounded, knowing that he has roots in the UK as well as the US.
Oh No, Not the Doggos!
Anyone who has ever gone overseas for a long period of time or tried to take their four-legged friend on a trip with them to another country is probably aware of just how difficult it is to bring them along. And unfortunately, one of Meghan’s two fur babies didn’t make the trip with her to the palace. Bogart was getting old, and the duchess was worried about all of the tests and things necessary for an animal to move overseas, so the dog stayed in Canada with one of her friends.
According to an insider, those dogs mean the world to Meghan, so you can imagine her heartbreak in having to say goodbye. We’re pretty sure that Guy the beagle is the most spoiled dog on the face of the Earth these days, though.
She's a Real Foodie
So we know, that Prince Harry proposed over an intimate roast chicken dinner, but what you probably don't know, is that roast chicken is one of her favorite meals and always has been. She admits to being a real true foodie and says that if she's going to eat, she is going to eat good.
Apparently, the character Rachel Zane on "Suits" had culinary abilities too, which Meghan herself added to the character. She loves bread (which is usually uncommon for LA celebs) and thinks that the merge between the crust and the softness of the inner part, are simply perfection.
And She LOVES Wine
Meghan is a big wine fan. She has always been. She enjoys and understands the heritage and the roots of this beverage, and appreciates the history and stories behind it. Even before the luxurious days of royalty kicked in, wine was part of her life. These days, her favorite ones are known to the public and are even sold under the title "Meghan's favorite wine" in local stores.
According to some sources online her favourite wine is “Tiganello” wine, otherwise known as “Tig.” She commented, “It wasn’t just red or white — suddenly I understood what people meant by the body, legs, structure of wine. It was an ah-ha moment at its finest. For me, it became a “Tig” moment — a moment of getting it.”
Tea-Tree Oil Is a Must
There is one thing Meghan always carries with her, and that is tea tree oil. In an interview back in 2014, she revealed that she uses it on almost anything like mosquito bites or small wounds, or any other skin conditions of the sort. She said it's small, it's compact and it travels easily, making it a nifty thing to take with you everywhere.
Meghan is not wrong. Apparently, many celebs take a small bottle of tea tree oil wherever they go. Now, we know this is not a beauty hack article, but hay, if it works - why not try it too?
Her Own Jewelry on "Suits"
Meghan Markle starred in "Suits" for seven seasons. She played the role of Rachel Elizabeth Zane, an associate and then attorney at an exclusive law firm. Rachel Zane and Meghan Markle share a lot in common. They are both foodies, both speak Spanish, and are both considered absolutely beautiful.
There is one more thing that these two share, and that's jewelry. Apparently, Meghan Markle wore her own personal necklaces and earrings while shooting the show. Since the Dutchess married into the royal family, she now has amassed a jewelry collection of her own which amounts to over $1 million. Now that’s impressive.
She Speaks Fluent Spanish
In the royal family, most members speak at least one foreign language. During their school years, they are taught a language of their choice. Not all Americans speak a foreign language, though, so this princess certainly deserves a big round of applause. Here's another fact about the Dutchess. She can speak more than one language, in fact, she can speak three languages.
She took French for a few years as she lived in Canada (before her royal days), and during her college years, while interning at the American embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she learned Spanish. She has definitely paved her way securely into the family.
World Traveler
Even before she was privileged to travel as a member of the royal family, Meghan loved the road and the sky. Being a Hollywood actress, Meghan often traveled in the United States and abroad. Doris, her mum, was a travel agent so traveling has always been very familiar to her. While she was still writing her personal blog, she posted her travel essentials, which became very useful to many of her readers.
She wrote about cleaning (with wipes) her seat while on planes, taking tea tree oil on all travels, staying hydrated, and she recommended taking a cooking class at the destination. This would enable you to blend in with the new culture and local traditions.
Carrot Cake Is the Best!
We all have our favorites, and so does Meghan. As a child, her favorite cake was not chocolate (like most children), but a good old carrot cake with thick white frosting. This was her piece of comfort growing up. For several reasons (we are unaware of), she could not have a carrot wedding cake, instead, it was a traditional lemon and elderflower, baked by one of London's famous pastry chefs.
The loved carrot cake was saved for Harry's birthday which followed the wedding. The cake was baked by their son (we assume he had some help), making every bite even sweeter.
Meghan and Princess Eugenie
It seems that Meghan was connected to the royal family, even before she started to date Prince Harry. Meghan knew Harry’s cousin Eugenie from years before, so this made the instruction to the family much easier. Harry's relationship with his first cousin is very close. Allegedly, Princess Eugenie has been friends with all of Harry’s girlfriends in the past.
It was even Eugenie who set Harry and his ex Cressida up together. Eugenie and her husband have supported and escorted Meghan and Harry on many occasions, and are considered to be to closest to them, amongst all the royals in the family.
The Big Day
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry married on May 19th, 2018. We are not sure if this wedding was covered so intensely due to the fact that there wasn't a royal wedding in so many years, or, that there wasn't such a colorful wedding, in royal wedding history. Regardless of all of that, it was a blast.
This day was definitely a world changer for the royal family, as dynamics have changed a lot since then. The royal wedding cost a few good million dollars. Two million were paid by the royal family, while the rest was paid by the British taxpayer.
She’s Dedicated to Serving Humanity
It’s no secret that Meghan has a huge heart and is deeply involved in charity work. The duchess has been using her voice for good since before she was even 13 years old. Now that she’s one of the most famous women on Earth, she’s only stepped up her philanthropic game. Some of her recent work involves her taking on the role of youth counselor for One Young World in 2014 and 2016. She also supports the Myna Mahila Foundation, which works to ensure sanitary conditions for young women in 3rd world countries.
It seems that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex share their love of all things’ philanthropy, as well. Harry has a charity of his own that he established back in 2006 known as Sentebale. His group’s main initiative is to help children living with HIV and AIDS in Botswana. Until 2019, they shared a charitable foundation with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, called The Royal Foundation, too, but they made the split so that they can start one of their very own.
She Taught Bookbinding
You thought Meghan was only about acting and "duchessing?" Think again. Apparently, Meghan Markle taught bookbinding during one of her visits to Africa. Markle revealed that she privately visited an initiative called “Victoria Yards,” which hosted an event that brought artisans, charities and start-ups together. The initiative is supported by the British council.
Now, this is no new talent of hers, as she learned how to do this back in her early twenties. There are not many details to share covering this workshop she took part in during that royal tour, however, we have heard of some other well-known celebs that are into bookbinding, so it's probably not a great big deal.
She Could Have a Column in Vogue
The Duchess seems to be working closely with "Vogue" to promote her philanthropy endeavors in the magazine. She has contributed as a guest editor for an issue in which she chose sixteen of the most influential women in the world. At first, the editors asked her to be on the cover, but she thought this choice would come off as rash, so she suggested featuring other women instead.
The spread apparently went over so well that she has been asked to do a regular column about her charity work and other philanthropic endeavors. There was lots of drama before the royal wedding, that’s for sure. Tensions ran high, and issues arose at what looked like the worst possible time.
Those Close to Her Think She’s Funny
Meghan may not have had the most positive media leading up to her marriage to Prince Harry, but those that know her best say that she’s genuinely a good person. But it isn’t just her heart that draws people to her. Apparently, she has quite a funny streak, as well. According to an insider who accompanied the royal family on an overnight train trip, the duchess made the late Queen Elizabeth laugh so hard that she even “snorted” a little.
The insider made sure to note that that very seldom happens when the late queen was working. It’s no wonder the duchess is funny, or else according to Harry’s friends; he wouldn’t have even considered marrying her. Friends of the prince say that he’s a bit of a free spirit (at least, according to royal standards) and that he wouldn’t want to be with anyone boring. Someone that used to work with the duchess went so far as to say that she is “wicked funny.” She must be if she could make the late Queen of England snort-laugh! It’s too bad no one was there to catch that on video.
Canada Became Her Second Home
What is it with Canada that makes it so close to Meghan's heart? She was brought up in California, and yet, with all the LA has to offer (and it does), she still considers Canada as her second home. So where does that put London we ask? Anyway, during all of her years on "Suits," she lived in Toronto as the show was filmed there, and her lifestyle was pretty calm.
Shooting, yoga, cooking classes, repeat. So when things went a bit noisy in the UK, it was only natural for the couple to seek their future in Canada, using the fact it is part of the commonwealth as a great excuse.
She Works to Inspire Young Women
The duchess often uses her celebrity and influence to speak out against racial injustice in the world. She has always been very candid about her struggles as a woman who is mixed race, and she works so that others may not have to deal with the same type of issues in the future. In one interview, she told of how hard it was for her to find jobs in Hollywood when she was still an actress.
The actress apparently struggled to find roles that fit her, saying, “I wasn’t white enough for the white roles, and I wasn’t black enough for the black roles.” To this day, some publications still photoshop her images to make her appear lighter and with fewer freckles. But you can be sure that if she notices it, she’s definitely going to say something about it.