Meghan Markle turns 45 on August 4, marking a trajectory of great personal and professional transformations. In her life, the Duchess of Sussex left an acting career to join Prince Harry, then chose to step away from the duties of the British monarchy and now dedicates herself to commercial ventures and social initiatives. This unique journey positions her as a figure who redefined her public role, seeking autonomy and social impact.
Her initial projection came through the character Rachel Zane in the series Suits, where she starred for seven seasons. From 2011 to 2017, his television work earned him worldwide recognition and opened doors in the entertainment industry.
Meghan Markle’s rise on television
While involved in recording the series, in July 2016, Meghan Markle had an encounter that would change her life when she was introduced to Prince Harry by mutual friends.
Despite the couple’s efforts to keep their romance a secret, the media quickly began spreading rumors about their alleged relationship.
With the repercussions of their relationship, Meghan Markle became the target of a series of attacks and negative comments from the public.
To control the situation, Kensington Palace officially confirmed the relationship and issued a statement on behalf of Prince Harry.
In the statement, Prince Harry expressed his concern for Meghan’s safety and disappointment at being unable to protect her. He stated that “it is not fair that, just a few months into the relationship, Ms. Markle is subjected to such a storm.” Harry further disagreed with the idea that this situation would be “the price to pay”, declaring: “This isn’t a game — it’s her life and his.”
The turmoil of dating Prince Harry
The marriage proposal was expected and in November 2017, Prince Harry proposed to Meghan. She then decided to end her acting career to dedicate herself fully to the responsibilities of a member of the royal family.
The wedding ceremony took place in May 2018, at St. George’s Chapel, inside Windsor Castle. The event was attended by approximately 600 guests and was broadcast globally. Meghan arrived at the altar without the presence of her father, Thomas Markle, due to family conflicts that became public shortly before the celebration.
Marriage to Harry and entry into the royal family
On May 6, 2019, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Unlike royal traditions, the parents chose to remain discreet about the details and exact location of the birth.
Hours after the birth, Buckingham Palace made the official announcement. Archie came into the world at Portland Hospital, a private maternity hospital in London, weighing 3.26 kilos.
The birth of their first child, Archie
What was designed as a fairy tale, however, had a twist. In January 2020, Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family.
Through their social networks, the couple explained that the measure had been planned for several months. The aim was to establish a new role within the monarchy and achieve financial independence.
The formalization of the departure took place in February 2020. In an official note, Queen Elizabeth II expressed satisfaction at having found “a constructive and supportive path for my grandson and his family”. She also stated that “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.”
Despite supporting the decision, Buckingham Palace clarified that this change would have consequences. It was reported that, “as agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they must step back from royal duties, including official military appointments” and that they “will no longer receive public funds for royal duties.”
Leaving royalty to seek independence
After becoming official, Harry and Meghan Markle lived for a short time in Canada before moving permanently to the United States. Initially residing in Los Angeles, they later settled in Montecito, California.
Already established in the United States, in June 2021, the Sussex couple celebrated the birth of their second daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. The girl came into the world at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, located in Santa Barbara, California.
Even though they are far from royal life, Harry and Meghan chose to honor the family’s history in their names. Lilibet is a reference to the childhood nickname of Queen Elizabeth II, the paternal great-grandmother. Diana, in turn, pays tribute to Harry’s mother, the child’s paternal grandmother.
The duchess and family’s new life in the United States and her projects
Away from the royal family, Meghan sought a new professional path. In 2020, she and Harry signed a multimillion-dollar contract with Netflix, resulting in productions such as the documentary Harry & Meghan (2022) and the lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, scheduled for 2025. In addition, the duchess launched her own brand, As Ever, focused on lifestyle products, including teas, jams, candles and artisanal preserves.
Meghan Markle continues her commitment to social causes. In February this year, she and Harry undertook a two-day humanitarian mission to Jordan, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The couple’s initiative aimed to offer support to communities impacted by conflicts.
