Rachel Meghan Markle, born August 4, 1981, is a former American actress who started her career appearing in small roles in various American television shows. However, it was not until the 2011 American legal comedy-drama, Suits, that she got her breakthrough role. After a romantic blind date with him, Markle started dating the Duke of Sussex and eventually got hitched to him in a widely televised ceremony on 19 May 2018, becoming a member of the British Royal family. Following this, she earned official titles including The Duchess of Sussex, Countess of Dumbarton, and Baroness Kilkeel. 

Meghan Markle, born Rachel Meghan Markle on August 4, 1981, in sunny Los Angeles, California, is a blend of Hollywood charm and royal elegance. Before she was known as the Duchess of Sussex, Markle was an actress, a humanitarian, and a lifestyle influencer who turned heads and captured hearts across the globe. Her claim to fame in the entertainment world came thanks to her role as Rachel Zane on the hit legal drama Suits, which kept viewers hooked for seven seasons. But Meghan Markle’s story is much richer than just scripts and celebrity glitz.

Raised in a diverse household by her African American mother, Doria Ragland, and her Caucasian father, Thomas Markle Sr., Meghan Markle experienced a unique upbringing that shaped her socially conscious outlook on life. She attended Northwestern University, majoring in theater and international studies, which fueled both her art and her passions beyond acting. Markle has always championed equality and inclusion, even influencing gender-neutral advertising campaigns early on.

Her journey took a fairy tale-like turn when she met Prince Harry in 2016, turning her life into headlines. Marrying into the British royal family, the present-day Duchess of Sussex became a symbol of modern royalty’s evolution, challenging conventions and using her platform for advocacy. These days, she is known not just for her royal title but as an entrepreneur, podcaster, producer, and committed activist, blending celebrity and philanthropy with grace and determination.

Born and bred in Los Angeles, Meghan Markle grew up as the only child of a multicultural family. Her mother, Doria Ragland, worked as a social worker and yoga instructor, bringing a calming and grounded presence to Markle’s life. Her father, Thomas Markle Sr., a television lighting director, introduced her early into the entertainment world. However, after her parents separated when she was young, leading her to spending most of her time with her mother, who filled her with values of resilience and compassion.

Educated at an all-girls Catholic school, Immaculate Heart High School, Markle’s interests stretched beyond academics early on. She not only excelled in theater but also advocated for social change—significantly pushing for gender-neutral advertising at a young age, a testament to her forward-thinking nature. Her college years at Northwestern University saw her balancing a rigorous double major and preparing for an acting career.

These formative years laid the ground for Meghan Markle’s dual identity as both an actress and a public figure committed to social causes. Her understanding of international culture and social justice would later equip her to handle both the spotlight and her humanitarian work with an informed, empathetic touch. Even before the royal spotlight, Markle was carving her own path as a trailblazer.

Meghan Markle’s acting portfolio may not be Oscar-studded, but it is certainly noteworthy. After graduating from Northwestern University, Markle made small but steady strides on TV, with guest appearances on popular shows like General Hospital—a neat connection given her father’s work behind the scenes—Century City, The War at Home, and CSI: NY. However, it was her memorable stint on Suits from 2011 to 2018 that truly put her on the map, where she charmed audiences as Rachel Zane, a savvy paralegal with style and smarts.

Here is a quick rundown of Meghan Markle’s notable roles:

Alongside acting, Meghan Markle ran The Tig, a lifestyle blog combining healthy living, travel, and fashion interests, which she authored until 2017. The platform enhanced her public persona as a tastemaker and influencer before royalty took center stage. Markle’s acting career might have been just one chapter, but it played a crucial role in shaping her confident public voice.

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry met in mid-2016, it was like a Hollywood script mixed with royal glamour—a blind date arranged by mutual friends that quickly blossomed into a fairy tale romance. Though Markle once joked she would pick Harry over his brother William in a charming interview, few expected the buzz their relationship would generate. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's love went from private dates to public headlines in record time.

The couple made their first public appearance as a pair in 2017 at a polo match, and soon the world was captivated by their chemistry. By November 2017, their engagement was announced, featuring a proposal involving a ring with a diamond sourced from Botswana, where their love deepened on a private safari.

They married in a spectacular 2018 ceremony at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle — a global event marked by touching moments and modern touches that reflected Markle’s American and multicultural roots. The couple quickly became known not just for their romance but for their candidness about challenges faced, including intense media scrutiny.

In 2020, Prince Harry and Markle took the unprecedented step of stepping back from senior royal duties, choosing instead to live purposeful lives as independent public figures in California. Despite rocky relations with some royal family members, their partnership remains strong. They continue to balance family life, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial ventures, redefining what it means to be modern royals.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry share two children who have already captured global attention and love. Their son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, was born in May 2019, marking the arrival of the first child of a senior royal couple in nearly a decade. Their daughter, Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, born in June 2021 in California, carries the names of her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and her late grandmother Princess Diana — a meaningful nod to family legacy.

As parents, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry strive to provide a life that balances privacy and normalcy, shielding their children from the intrusive spotlight of their parents' public lives. Their parenting approach focuses on love, inclusion, and cultural awareness, reflecting Markle’s diverse background and Prince Harry’s dedication to mental health and well-being. 

The couple has spoken about the joys and challenges of parenting amid intense media attention, always emphasizing that their children are their "world," and their priority remains giving them a grounded, happy childhood. 

In 2025, Meghan Markle’s net worth is estimated to be around $70 million, a remarkable figure reflecting her transition from actress to influential entrepreneur and media mogul. Her wealth springs from multiple streams, including her successful acting career, prominent production deals with Netflix, and various other media projects.

Post-royal life, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry signed lucrative contracts, most notably with Netflix, where Markle contributes as an executive producer and creative force. Markle’s podcast, Archetypes, and other endeavors have further solidified her financial footprint. Merchandise, speaking engagements, and endorsements also add to her robust income.

This impressive net worth underscores Markle’s savvy in leveraging her fame and platform for new opportunities, turning challenges into avenues for growth and influence. Her financial success is not just about money—it is about creating space for stories and voices that align with her values.

After stepping away from royal duties, Meghan Markle did not just retire from the spotlight—she stepped into a new arena, transforming herself into a media powerhouse. She co-founded Archewell Inc., a multifaceted media and charitable organization producing content that focuses on inspiring stories and social change. With projects spanning film, television, podcasts, and digital media, Meghan Markle has taken control of her narrative and platform.

Her major deal with Netflix is a game-changer, allowing her to produce content that champions diversity and empowerment. She also inked a partnership with Spotify to produce podcasts that explore cultural episodes and personal stories. Otherwise, dabbling in sustainable fashion and lifestyle initiatives, Meghan Markle’s business ventures have become a reflection of her values.

These ventures showcase the Duchess of Sussex’s sharp business acumen and dedication to impact-driven work, making her a standout example of royal reinvention.

Meghan Markle’s heart has often come off to be as large as her public profile. Long before becoming a duchess, she was deeply involved in activism, particularly advocating for women’s rights, gender equality, and social justice. She has worked with organizations such as United Nations Women, World Vision, and the UN Women’s #HeForShe campaign.

During her acting career and thereafter, Meghan Markle utilized her platform to highlight hunger relief, education initiatives, and empowerment programs for girls and women worldwide. Even as a royal, she focused on causes close to her heart, often championing mental health awareness and community support.

Since transitioning out of official royal roles, Markle continues to lend her voice and resources to philanthropic efforts through Archewell Foundation and other partnerships, proving that charity is more than a spotlight moment—it is a lifelong commitment. Her approachable yet passionate style has helped bring renewed attention to important global issues.

After a whirlwind journey from Hollywood to royalty and now to media moguls and philanthropists, Meghan Markle continues to captivate public interest in 2025. Amidst high-profile projects and ongoing personal challenges, she and Prince Harry are working to balance family life, business ventures, and their evolving roles outside the traditional royal framework.

While not every venture has hit the mark, Markle's resilience and drive remain unmistakable. With her ever-present dedication to social causes and creative expression, Markle is carving out a distinct place in contemporary culture—continuing to redefine what it means to be a modern duchess in a fast-changing world.