Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

ABOUT

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was born Rachel Meghan Markle on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. An American member of the British royal family, Meghan is married to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, the younger son of King Charles III. Prior to her marriage and subsequent royal status, Meghan was an accomplished actress, best known for her role as Rachel Zane on the legal drama series "Suits."

BEFORE FAME

Meghan grew up in Los Angeles and attended Immaculate Heart High School. She developed an early interest in performing arts. She studied at Northwestern University in Illinois, where she double-majored in theater and international studies, earning her degree in 2003. Post-university, Meghan worked in various temporary jobs, including calligraphy and teaching bookbinding, before landing acting roles.

Her early acting career consisted of minor roles in TV shows such as "General Hospital," "CSI: NY," "90210," and "Fringe." It wasn't until 2011 that she gained significant recognition for her role in "Suits," where she appeared for seven seasons until 2018.

TRIVIA

• Meghan launched The Tig, a lifestyle blog and website, in 2014, which she ran until 2017. It featured articles about food, travel, fashion, and beauty.
• She is a passionate advocate for women's rights and has worked with organizations like World Vision and United Nations Women.
• Meghan's marriage to Prince Harry was notable for breaking several royal precedents, including her status as a divorced, biracial American woman.
• In January 2020, Meghan and Harry announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family to become financially independent.

FAMILY LIFE

Meghan is the daughter of Thomas Markle Sr., a retired television director of photography, and Doria Ragland, a social worker and yoga instructor. Meghan has spoken highly of her mother's influence in her life and her commitment to humanitarian issues.

Meghan and Prince Harry began dating in mid-2016 and announced their engagement in November 2017. They were married on May 19, 2018, in a widely-watched ceremony at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The couple has two children: a son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, born in May 2019, and a daughter, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, born in June 2021.

ASSOCIATED WITH

As a member of the British royal family, Meghan is associated with a variety of high-profile events, organizations, and figures. She has worked closely with her husband, Prince Harry, on numerous charitable ventures, including the establishment of the Archewell Foundation, which focuses on compassionate philanthropy. Additionally, Meghan's role within the royal family has brought her into contact with other notable international figures and institutions dedicated to humanitarian and social causes.

Meghan has remained an influential public figure even after stepping back from royal duties, continuing to engage with social issues and maintain a presence in media through ventures such as podcasting and documentary production.