Meghan Markle

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, born Rachel Meghan Markle on August 4, 1981, is an American actress, media personality, entrepreneur, and member of the British royal family. She gained widespread public recognition for her role as Rachel Zane in the legal drama series Suits, as well as her media ventures, charitable work, and marriage to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

Markle was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is of mixed-race heritage, born to former makeup artist Doria Ragland and retired television lighting and photography director Thomas Markle Sr. She attended Immaculate Heart High School, where she participated in school plays and volunteered locally. She later attended Northwestern University, where she took part in a study-abroad program in Madrid and completed an internship as a junior press officer at the American embassy in Buenos Aires. She graduated in 2003 with a double major in theater and international studies.

Markle began her acting career with television appearances on General Hospital, Century City, The War at Home, CSI: NY, and Fringe, alongside working on the game show Deal or No Deal. She also appeared in feature films such as Remember Me and Horrible Bosses. In 2011, she was cast as Rachel Zane in the USA Network series Suits, a role she played for seven seasons until late 2017. During this time, she launched the lifestyle blog The Tig in 2014, which she used to cover lifestyle subjects and support charitable causes focused on social justice and women's issues.

In May 2018, Markle married Prince Harry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, acquiring the title Duchess of Sussex. Before and after her marriage, she represented the royal family at public engagements and international visits. The couple resided at Nottingham Cottage and Frogmore Cottage, and welcomed their son, Archie, in May 2019. In January 2020, Markle and her husband stepped down as working members of the royal family. They subsequently moved to California, settling in Montecito, and welcomed their daughter, Lilibet, in June 2021.

Following their departure from official royal duties, the couple established Archewell Inc., a mix of for-profit and non-profit business organizations. Markle participated in the 2021 television interview Oprah with Meghan and Harry, authored the children's book The Bench, and hosted the podcast Archetypes. She also appeared in the Netflix documentary series Harry & Meghan and launched her lifestyle brand As Ever in April 2025. In August 2026, Markle and her family relocated to the United Kingdom to establish a private residence, while retaining their international properties.