Meghan Markle is Prince Harry's beautiful and mysterious American girlfriend. The pair began dating in 2016, and since then, the relationship has intensified and grown into a serious love affair. The couple are quite successful at keeping out of the public eye, forgoing the glitz and glam of publicity for a more relaxed and down-to-Earth life. Just this week, friends of Harry have reported that they expect the pair will be engaged before the end of the summer. Another royal wedding? We've been waiting for this!
What we really want to know, is what this could-be princess is all about! Who is the dark-haired beautiful actress who has stolen Harry's heart? We know Meghan from her roles in Suits and Fringe, but little else is publicly known about her. She has a pretty clean record when it comes to Hollywood gossip and scandal. In 2013, she was divorced from first husband Trevor Engelson, a film producer, which apparently didn't sit well with the Queen. That aside, she doesn't seem to have any dark or damaging secrets. In fact, she has a pretty impressive record: Meghan is a humanitarian and has participated in many impressive efforts around the world. We kind of like how Harry is breaking the mold and not letting naysayers get in the way of his beautiful love story. Let's take a look at the things we didn't know, but always wanted to. Here are the 15 Little Secrets of Meghan Markle.
15 She Runs A Lifestyle Blog
Meghan is not just a successful and talented actress. Proving that she is a woman who can wear many hats (that might come in handy) she also runs her own lifestyle blog, called The Tig. The blog covers food, travel, fashion and beauty: all of her favorite things. The blog is chock full of interviews with acclaimed chefs, product reviews, beauty and fashion tips and exercise inspiration. The blog, which was established in 2016, is a one-stop-shop for all things lifestyle. A beautiful layout makes this website easy and fun to navigate. Meghan proves that she is more than a pretty face: her writing skills are on par, and she has some pretty fantastic travel ideas and tips. A self-proclaimed foodie, expect to find delicious recipes, restaurant reviews and dining out suggestions in cities' around the world.
14 She Grew Up In L.A.
Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She was exposed to a Hollywood lifestyle from an early age. Her father, Thomas Markle, worked as a lighting director on a popular soap opera and also a sitcom. Meghan spent her childhood hanging out behind-the-scenes, brushing arms with stars and soaking in the glam hair, makeup and clothing. She has said that her love of food stemmed from seeing the elaborate lunches that the actors' were provided with on set. An appreciation for acting also developed at a young age, although she only landed her first role at the age of 21. In 2002, she appeared in one episode of General Hospital. From 2002-2011, she continued to land small roles and appearances in TV shows. In 2011, she secured her career-shaping role as Rachel Zane in Suits, which is currently in its sixth season.
13 Her Family Approves of Harry
This isn't entirely shocking! What more can a parent ask for? Bringing home a royal prince is pretty much a guaranteed parent pleaser! According to an interview in Daily Mail with Meghan's older brother, the prince met with his future father-in-law in his Toronto home. Her father was very pleased and proud of the romance between the young prince and his daughter, saying that he found the two were "very much in love." Her brother Thomas Markle Jr. confirmed that the family were overjoyed with the news, and that his little sister seems to be extremely happy with her relationship. Meg has maintained a very close relationship with her parents, who divorced when she was 6 years old. It is unclear if Meghan's mother, Doria Radlan, has met the prince. If not yet, definitely soon...especially if the two are expected to tie the knot!
12 She's a Humanitarian
Before Meghan jumped into her acting career at age 21, she was busy studying and getting her degree at Northwestern University. The natural beauty double majored in Theatre and International Relations, and has always had an interest in bettering the lives of those less fortunate. Her political savviness and privileged life have given her the opportunity to give back. She has worked with the UN Foundation to advance equality issues on a global level, and most recently, visited Rwanda with World Vision. Her love for children has allowed her to bond effortlessly with the young. Meghan enjoys playing and dancing with the local youth while on assignment in different parts of the world. Move over Angelina Jolie, Meghan seems to be the next big starlet on the philanthropic scene.
11 She Was Harassed By The Press
Back in November 2016, when the press were made aware of Harry's new leading lady, all hell broke loose. The Internet exploded with sexist and racist commentary, prompting Prince Harry to issue an official statement via his Communications Secretary at Kensington Palace. The charming prince took to his girlfriend's defense, and shared his outrage and disappointment with those that were responsible for the defamatory content. Well played, Harry. We agree that no one should be subjected to abusive comments, regardless of ethnicity, gender or background. Good thing Meghan has a devoted prince in her corner to keep the trolls at bay!
10 The Lovebirds Met In Toronto
Harry and Meghan met in May, 2016, in Toronto. Harry was visiting the Canadian city to promote the Invictus Games. The sporting event, scheduled to kick off in September 2017, was created by the Prince himself. The games honour Paralympic athletes that have previously had careers in armed services. Meghan, films Suits in Toronto, and also calls the city home. Harry has been very hands-on with the preparations for the Games, and intends to spend almost the entire summer in Canada to work on the organization. Not surprisingly, he has another motive to be in the city. His long-distance lover will welcome him to the city she calls home with open arms. Stay tuned for many more couple sightings in Canada in the coming months.
9 She's Divorced
Being a divorced 35-year old in Hollywood is hardly shocking. In fact, having never been divorced is more of an oddity in the celebrity world. Being a divorced woman who is dating a royal, however, is a little more scandalous. Meghan was married to Trevor Engelson, a manager and production company owner, in 2011. The pair, who had dated since 2004, divorced quietly in 2013, after almost a decade together. Although a prior divorce is not a deal breaker, Meghan does have a bit more "baggage" to explain as she makes her way into the royal family. Apparently, she has already met Prince Charles and has his blessing, so that is a good starting place! Can she win over the Queen Mum? TBD!
8 She's Biracial
The brown-eyed beauty has quite the ancestral background. Her father is Caucasian with Dutch and Irish heritage. Her mother is African-American. Although her parents divorced when she was young, she maintained a very close relationship with both parents, and grew up with cultural influences from both her mother's and father's side. She proudly identifies as biracial, and is happy to share her experiences as a mixed-race woman. In Season 2 of Suits, the producers elaborated on her characters' background, and introduced to the storyline an African-American father figure. Meghan has spoken about how happy it has made her to play a character that has a biracial background, such as her own.
7 She Collaborated With Reitman's On A Fashion Line
Always fashionable, Meghan realized another one of her dreams in the fall of 2016. She has collaborated with Reitman's as Brand Ambassador to release an affordable line of chic business-appropriate clothing. Meghan's Suits character, Rachel Zane, is always super well-dressed, and Reitman's thought that Meghan would be the perfect cover girl for the line. Since Meghan has been living in Toronto for over 5 years, representing a Canadian brand made perfect sense to her. The collection seeks to make classic, good quality items accessible for the modern-day businesswoman on a budget. Who knew you could dress as stylishly as Meghan without breaking the bank? The collection is now available in Reitman's stores across Canada.
6 She Has Some Family Drama
Meghan has quite the family tree. Her father, Thomas, was married before he met Meghan's mother, Doria. He and his first wife, Roslyn, had two children, Thomas Jr. and Samantha. Unfortunately, Meghan's half-sister, 52-year-old Samantha Grant, has painted Meghan in a negative light since she began her relationship with Prince Harry. She told reporters that Meghan left her alone while she was struggling with Multiple Sclerosis and became wheelchair-bound. Samantha is estranged from everyone in her family, and it has been speculated that she took to the media in order to cash in on her sister's success. Meghan has not had any contact with Samantha in decades, but remains close with her parents and older half-brother Thomas Jr.
5 She Is Meeting Harry's Friends This Weekend at A Wedding
Despite having close to 8 months of dating under their belts, the good-looking duo haven't been seen publicly together all that often. Well, that's about to change! Prince Harry's childhood friend, Tom "Skippy" Inskip is marrying his girlfriend Lara Hughes, this weekend, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The Prince arrived in Montego Bay on March 1, and is scheduled to spend an entire week in the sunny Caribbean...with his lady love. Although their relationship has been confirmed by both parties, as well as the Kensington Palace, this week might bring about some exclusive photographic evidence that the couple are doing well! With their relationship heating up, it's only natural to think that wedding bells could ring for them next!
4 She Struggled To Be Discovered As An Actress
Despite growing up in L.A., with a father who worked on the set of Married...With Children, Meghan still had to make her own way in Hollywood. Her early experiences with auditions were mostly negative; she was turned down for roles on the regular. At one point, she felt like giving up, when the struggle became all too real. She recollects on a time when her car was in need of repairs, but she didn't have the money to bring it in to the shop. Trying to get by with a defective set of doors, Meghan literally had to climb through her trunk to get into the driver's seat. She said that this went on for almost half a year. Luckily, her bad luck came to an end and she is probably driving a much nicer car these days!
3 She Wears An Elephant Bracelet To Remind Her Of Harry
Meghan spent most of January and February in London, getting in some quality time with her Prince while on a break from filming Suits. When she arrived back in her residential city of Toronto, she as spotted wearing a silver elephant bracelet. Her beau is famously passionate about elephant conservationism. He spent 3 weeks in late 2016 in Africa, where he worked with African Parks on the "500 Elephants" project. The project focused on the relocation of Malawian elephants that were at risk of being attacked by poachers. The first phase of the project successfully moved 261 elephants, with the balance of the 500 scheduled to be relocated next summer. Oh, Harry. You're such a nice boy. We love this story.
2 She Has Met Kate and William
Meghan is slowly getting acquainted with the Royals! She was introduced to Prince William back in November, and just recently met with Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte. The meeting took place in late January, while Meghan was spending some quality time with her man before flying home to Toronto. The lovebirds visited with Kate at the Kensington palace apartment she shares with hubby William and children Charlotte and George. The Duchess was really looking forward to meeting Meghan, as she has had a great relationship with Harry for years and years. Slightly protective, Kate is always looking out for Harry's best interests and gives him great advice on dating and women. Let's hope she gave Harry the stamp of approval on Meg!
1 She Was The Most Google'd Actress of 2016
Dating a Prince is a surefire way to get the world to notice you! Despite being famous in her own right for her appearances on Suits, Meghan Markle was (and still is) a bit of a mystery woman! Clearly, 2016 was a big year for her. Emerging as the girlfriend to the only eligible bachelor left in the Kensington Palace (for now, until George is of marrying age!) is quite a big deal. People that follow the Royal family's life and times can get...quite obsessive. Let's hope this formerly quiet and somewhat reclusive starlet can adapt to a more public life. If she marries Harry, she will definitely be in the limelight. We can't wait to see what the future brings for this cute new couple.
SOURCES: dailymail.co.uk, hellobeautiful.com, etonline.com
