Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Who is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex?

Imagine a woman whose life story reads like the plot of an epic novel—Rachel Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. She’s not just any ordinary person; she’s an American member of the British royal family and a media personality who has captivated the world with her journey from acting to advocacy.

From Acting to Advocacy

Markle began her acting career at Northwestern University, where she played Rachel Zane for seven seasons in the hit TV show Suits. After a brief marriage and a stint as a lifestyle blogger, she found herself stepping into the spotlight with Prince Harry. Their union brought a new chapter to both of their lives, blending Hollywood glamour with royal duty.

Personal Struggles and Advocacy

Markle’s personal life has been marked by challenges. She was estranged from her father and paternal half-siblings, which added layers of complexity to her already multifaceted existence. Yet, she found strength in her advocacy work, tackling issues like gender equality, mental health, and racial justice.

Early Life and Career

Growing up in View Park–Windsor Hills, Los Angeles, Markle attended Hollywood Little Red Schoolhouse and Immaculate Heart High School. At the tender age of eleven, she wrote to Procter & Gamble to gender-neutralize a dishwashing soap commercial on national television—a bold move for any young girl.

Acting Career

Markle’s acting career took off when she graduated from Northwestern University in 2003 with double majors in theater and international studies. Early roles were hard to come by due to her “ethnically ambiguous” appearance, but she persevered, working as a freelance calligrapher and teaching bookbinding to support herself.

Marriage and Royal Life

In 2011, Markle married American film producer Trevor Engelson. Their relationship ended in divorce in 2014. In mid-2016, she began a relationship with Prince Harry, which led to their engagement and marriage on May 19, 2018.

Children and Royal Duties

The couple welcomed their first child, Archie, in 2019. In 2021, they added a daughter, Lilibet. After stepping back from royal duties in January 2020, Markle focused on her business ventures and charity work.

Business Ventures and Advocacy

Meghan pursued various business ventures, including talks with Quibi, hiring PR firms, and investing in Clevr Blends and Spotify. She also released a children’s picture book, “The Bench,” and launched a podcast, Archetypes, which was later cancelled by Spotify.

Charity Work

Meghan has worked with numerous charities and organizations since 2014, including One Young World, World Vision Canada, UN Entity for Gender Equality, Elephants Without Borders, and Migrateful. She was named a Ripple of Hope Award laureate in October 2022 for her work on racial justice and mental health through her foundation Archewell.

Legal Battles

Meghan faced numerous legal battles over privacy and defamation, including a lawsuit against the Mail on Sunday after they published an excerpt of a letter she wrote to her father without his permission. The High Court ruled in her favor, finding that the tabloid had invaded her privacy and infringed on her copyright.

Conclusion

Meghan Markle’s journey from a young actress to a global icon is nothing short of inspiring. Her life story is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the power of using one’s platform for good. As she continues to navigate her new role in society, her impact on both the royal family and the world at large remains undeniable.