Meghan, Duchess of Sussex's birthday

Megan Markle began her career as an actress and model. While she rose to fame after starring in the legal drama Suits, she is most known for her relationship with Prince Harry. After their marriage in 2018, she became the Duchess of Sussex.

Early life and Acting Career

Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles. Her full name is actually Rachel Meghan Markle, though she has always gone by ‘Meghan Markle’ professionally.

Her parents were involved in the entertainment industry, which likely contributed to her career aspirations. Meghan’s father was a lighting designer, and her mother was a make-up artist.

Meghan studied at Northwestern’s School of Communication, graduating with a double major in theater and international studies, though at one point had considered pursuing a political career before entering the entertainment industry.

Throughout her career, Meghan appeared in numerous films and TV series, however her career did not really take off until she was cast in Suits, where she played the role of Rachel Zane for seven series. She formerly retired from acting in 2018 after marrying Prince Harry.

Meghan and Harry have embarked upon numerous charitable endeavors together, and she has worked for numerous charities, working on campaigns for women’s issues, menstrual health, and access to healthcare. 

Relationship with Prince Harry

Meghan and Prince Harry were actually introduced via a mutual friend who set up a blind date at Soho House in London. The pair have both since described their meeting as being fairytale-esque, stating that they felt an instant connection to each other, and in 2018, the pair married. 

Their relationship was always met with some degree of controversy, especially within British tabloids. Their marriage was also considered to be a deviation from the traditional marriages of those within the British Royal Family, especially as Meghan had been divorced previously.

In 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry announced that they would be stepping back as senior members of the royal family, which meant relinquishing their duties through a statement posted on their Instagram. In televised interviews, books, and podcasts, they spoke about how their decision was motivated by the way in which Meghan was treated by the press. The pair had a deal with Spotify to release their own podcast, though this deal fell through in 2023, and they are no longer partnered with the brand. 

They have two children together, Archie (Born October 18, 2018) and Lilibet (Born February 14, 2021).

Fun Facts

• Meghan once ran a lifestyle blog known as “The Tig.” However, the site went offline once her marriage to Prince Harry was announced.

• When looking to support herself financially when first starting out as an actress, she worked as a calligrapher – and even worked with Dolce & Gabbana.

• At the age of thirteen, she got her first job at a local frozen yogurt shop, called “Humphrey Yogart.”