Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex—born August 4, 1981—has led one of the most scrutinized and fascinating lives in modern celebrity culture. Before joining the royal family, she was best known for playing Rachel Zane on the USA Network series Suits, where she appeared in over 100 episodes. A Northwestern University graduate, Meghan took on small roles early in her career—in Horrible Bosses, Remember Me, and even Deal or No Deal—before landing her big break in 2011.
As her profile rose, so did her involvement in philanthropy, a passion that ultimately led to her connection with Prince Harry. The couple began dating in 2016, announced their engagement in November 2017, and wed in May 2018. Together they have two children, Archie Harrison and Princess Lilibet Diana. After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Meghan and Harry relocated to California, where they continue their work through the Archewell Foundation and media ventures.
In recent years, Meghan has expanded into business and media. In 2024, she launched her lifestyle brand (initially called American Riviera Orchard, later rebranded to As Ever), investing in handcrafted goods and food products. She also entered the audio space with her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, launched in April 2025, where she spoke with women entrepreneurs about business and growth. Her Netflix series With Love, Meghan premiered in March 2025, offering a peek into her creative world of cooking, entertaining, gardening, and candid conversations.
Take a look through the gallery below to trace Meghan Markle’s evolving fame, from Hollywood actress to modern royal and beyond.
