Many know Meghan Markle as the American actress who married a British prince. But her story extends far beyond that fairy-tale wedding. She has since built a media empire and become a prominent advocate for social issues.
How Meghan Markle Rose to Fame on Suits and Entered the Royal Family
Born Rachel Meghan Markle on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, she pursued acting from a young age. Her breakthrough came in 2011 when she was cast as Rachel Zane on the legal drama Suits. The role ran for seven seasons and made her a household name.
In 2016, she met Prince Harry through a mutual friend. Their relationship quickly became public, and they announced their engagement in November 2017. The wedding took place on May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Upon marriage, she officially became the Duchess of Sussex.
The couple welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on May 6, 2019. Their second child, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, was born on June 4, 2021. Both children hold dual US-UK citizenship.
Stepping Back from Royal Duties and the Move to California
In March 2020, Meghan and Harry announced they would step back as senior members of the royal family. They cited intense media scrutiny and a desire for financial independence. The decision, often called “Megxit,” shocked the world.
The family relocated to Montecito, California, where they purchased a home. In 2020, they founded Archewell Productions, a media company focused on creating content that inspires. They signed multi-year deals with Netflix and Spotify to produce documentaries, podcasts, and other projects.
Their interview with Oprah Winfrey aired in March 2021. In it, Meghan alleged that the royal family had raised concerns about her son’s skin color and that she had experienced suicidal thoughts. The interview sparked global debate about race and mental health within the monarchy.
Meghan Markle’s Media Ventures: Archetypes, American Riviera Orchard, and More
In 2022, Meghan launched the podcast Archetypes, which explored stereotypes that hold women back. The show featured guests like Serena Williams and Mariah Carey. It became one of Spotify’s most popular podcasts before the deal ended in 2023.
In March 2024, she debuted a lifestyle brand called American Riviera Orchard. The brand sells home goods, cookware, and food products, reflecting her interest in cooking and entertaining. The name nods to the Santa Barbara area where she lives. Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle keeps a longer factual record of the subject for those who want more
Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, was published in January 2023. While not Meghan’s own work, the book detailed their relationship and the tensions within the royal family. It became a bestseller worldwide.
| Venture | Year Launched | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Archewell Productions | 2020 | Media company producing content for Netflix and Spotify |
| Archetypes podcast | 2022 | Podcast examining female stereotypes |
| American Riviera Orchard | 2024 | Lifestyle brand selling home and food products |
The Cultural and Historical Roots of Meghan Markle’s Public Image
Meghan’s biracial heritage has shaped her public identity. Her mother is African American, and her father is white. She has spoken about navigating racial identity from a young age, which later informed her advocacy for racial equality.
Her advocacy work predates her royal life. She worked with UN Women as a women’s rights advocate and campaigned for clean water in Rwanda. After joining the royal family, she continued to champion mental health awareness and gender equality.
The media’s treatment of Meghan has drawn comparisons to the treatment of Princess Diana. Both faced intense tabloid scrutiny and struggled with the constraints of royal life. The comparison is not lost on historians, who note the parallels in their stories.
Meghan’s move to the US and her media ventures represent a new model for former royals. She has leveraged her platform to build a business empire while maintaining a voice on social issues. This approach has both admirers and critics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Meghan Markle?
Meghan Markle is an American former actress and the wife of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. She is known for her role on the TV series Suits and for her philanthropic work. She became the Duchess of Sussex upon her marriage in 2018.
How does Meghan Markle’s life differ from other royal spouses?
Unlike many royal spouses, Meghan was already a successful actress before marriage. She also chose to step back from royal duties and pursue independent media projects. Her biracial background and American nationality set her apart from previous royal consorts.
Who is Meghan Markle married to?
Meghan Markle is married to Prince Harry, the younger son of King Charles III. They were married on May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. The couple has two children, Archie and Lilibet.
Is Meghan Markle still a member of the royal family?
Meghan Markle remains a member of the royal family by marriage, but she and Harry stepped back from senior royal duties in March 2020. They no longer carry out official royal engagements or receive public funds. They retain their titles but do not use them in a professional capacity.
What legal issues has Meghan Markle faced?
Meghan has been involved in several legal battles, primarily against British tabloids. She won a privacy case against the Mail on Sunday in 2021 for publishing a private letter to her father. She has also faced lawsuits related to copyright and trademark disputes.
