Biography:
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (born Rachel Meghan Markle; August 4, 1981) is an American member of the British royal family and former actress. She is married to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, the younger son of King Charles III. Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Her acting career began at Northwestern University. She played the part of Rachel Zane for seven seasons (2011–2018) in the American TV legal drama Suits. She also developed a social media presence, which included The Tig (2014–2017), a lifestyle blog. During The Tig period, Meghan became involved in charity work focused primarily on women’s issues and social justice.
Meghan’s dedication to women’s issues and social justice intensified when she joined the British royal family. She has used her platform to advocate for gender equality, female empowerment, and mental health awareness. Meghan has been actively involved with various organizations that support women, including Smart Works, a charity that provides unemployed women with professional attire and coaching for job interviews. She has also spoken out about the importance of education for girls worldwide and has worked with organizations such as CAMFED and World Vision to promote access to education.
In addition to her philanthropic work, Meghan has been an influential figure in the world of fashion and style. Her fashion choices have often made headlines, and she has been recognized for her modern, elegant style. Meghan has also used her position to support and promote sustainable and ethical fashion brands.
Meghan’s marriage to Prince Harry in May 2018 brought her even more international attention. Their wedding was celebrated as a groundbreaking event, as Meghan became the first biracial person to marry into the British royal family, which was seen as a significant step towards a more diverse and inclusive monarchy. The couple’s union has been seen as a symbol of love and unity, transcending cultural and racial boundaries.
Meghan and Harry welcomed their first child, a son named Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, in May 2019. The birth of Archie brought much joy to the couple and the public, and Meghan has been seen as a loving and dedicated mother. In June 2021, Meghan and Harry welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, named after Queen Elizabeth II and Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana.
However, Meghan’s time as a working royal was not without its challenges. She faced intense media scrutiny, which often took a toll on her mental health. In a documentary, Meghan opened up about her struggles with the negative press and the impact it had on her well-being. The couple’s decision to step back as senior members of the royal family in January 2020, seeking a more private and independent life, was met with both support and criticism.
Following their departure from royal duties, Meghan and Harry relocated to California. They founded Archewel Inc., an American public organization that focuses on non-profit activities and creative media ventures. Through Archewell, they have made significant contributions to causes they are passionate about, including mental health, education, and environmental conservation.
In addition to their philanthropic work, Meghan has pursued creative projects. She released a picture book for children, titled The Bench, in 2021, which was inspired by a poem she wrote for Harry on his first Father’s Day. Meghan also launched a podcast, Archewell Audio, in partnership with Spotify, where she and Harry have engaged in discussions on various topics with guests from different fields.
Meghan and Harry have continued to use their platform to advocate for important issues. They filmed a groundbreaking interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired in March 2021, where they discussed their experiences within the royal family and the challenges they faced. The interview sparked conversations around racism, mental health, and the institution of the monarchy.
Throughout her journey, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has remained committed to her values and has used her position to effect positive change in the world. With her influence, dedication to philanthropy, and outspokenness on important matters, she has become an inspirational figure for many women around the world.