In December, Harry and Meghan Markle released their highly-anticipated Netflix series. This six-episode documentary offers a deep dive into their relationship, from how they first met to their wedding, as well as the reasons that led them to step back from royal duties.

Buckingham Palace chose to remain silent regarding the series, despite potential concerns about sensitive material being aired. Meghan, who was already a familiar face in show business before joining the royal family, has seen her journey filled with significant ups and downs.

The release followed the infamous Oprah Winfrey interview and Harry’s candid memoir, “Spare,” launched in early January. The royal household probably wished none of this publicity, which included unseen pictures of Meghan Markle, would come to light.

Meghan Markle’s Path from Hollywood to Royalty

Meghan Markle’s journey to worldwide recognition began far from royal palaces. Born in Los Angeles on August 4, 1981, Meghan was introduced to the entertainment world by her father, Thomas Markle, an acclaimed lighting director. Often accompanying him to TV sets, she had an early peek into showbiz.

Meghan’s Early Years

Growing up, Meghan attended the all-girls Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, quite a contrast to her backstage experiences.

She recounted to Esquire, “Every day after school for 10 years, I found myself at the set of ‘Married, with Children’. It was an amusingly odd place for someone in a Catholic school uniform.”

Her father occasionally would suggest she assist the craft services team, shielding her from scenes inappropriate for her age.

Meghan’s strong sense of justice emerged early. When an 11-year-old Meghan was appalled by a gender-biased dish soap advert, she took action.

Expressing, “I don’t think it’s right for kids to grow up believing ‘Mom does everything,’” she, encouraged by her father, wrote to prominent figures like Hillary Clinton. Amazingly, the soap company reacted by altering their slogan to “People All Over America.”

Pursuing her passion for drama, Meghan studied communication at Northwestern University. Despite a burning desire to act, she endeavored to avoid the “cliché of an LA girl becoming an actress.”

The First Step: ‘Deal or No Deal’

Her path led next to Illinois for a double major in theater and international relations at the distinguished Evanston school.

After an internship at the US Embassy in Argentina hinted at political aspirations, her true inclination towards performance art soon resurfaced.

Her inaugural TV gig, though, was modest—occupying the role of a briefcase girl on ‘Deal or No Deal’. Meghan humorously recounted her time as “the often-unchosen number 26,” spending long hours standing in heels.

Nevertheless, opportunities followed, with minor roles in films like “Get Him to the Greek” and appearances in “General Hospital.”

In 2011, Meghan’s career soared with the role of Rachel Zane in USA’s hit “Suits,” running until 2018, the year she married Prince Harry.

Marriage to Trevor Engelson

Before Harry, Meghan wed Trevor Engelson. The New Yorker met Meghan in 2004, and after a seven-year courtship, they wed in Jamaica, marking the occasion with a vibrant, three-day celebration.

Meghan’s role on “Deal or No Deal” coincided with Engelson’s bustling career. Interestingly, he never visited her set, unlike other partners, due to professional commitments.

Living Separate Lives

In 2011, as Meghan debuted on “Suits,” she relocated to Toronto, leading a challenging long-distance marriage. Despite efforts to sustain the relationship, by 2013 divorce ensued, and surprisingly, Meghan mailed back wedding rings to Trevor.

While Meghan’s previous marriage drew little scrutiny during her royal transition with Prince Harry, such background details historically invoked serious objection from the royal establishment.

Royal Nuptials and Modern Shifts

Royal traditions hold significant weight, and while Meghan paved new paths, those around Queen Elizabeth II, for instance, historically sought her approval before marrying.

While some archaic customs slowly phase out, marriage to a divorced individual was once highly controversial. It’s notable that as recently as 2022, the Church of England began recognizing remarriages.

Modern Monarchy

Harry and Meghan’s resignation from royal duties initiated transformative shifts. European monarchies too are adapting; Denmark’s queen revoked her grandchildren’s titles, giving them freedom to shape their futures.

The departure drew ire from remaining royals, exacerbated by interviews and documents breaking from the palace’s reticent traditions.

In their defense and storytelling endeavors, Meghan and Harry introduced previously unseen youth photographs through the Netflix series, including Meghan’s endearing moments.

Unveiling Childhood Memories

Young Meghan is depicted in cherished family moments with her mother, Doria Ragland, capturing innocence and early familial bonds.

In one image, the young Duchess dons a yellow sweater, embodying youthful happiness.

Another snapshot reveals a confident preteen Meghan, showcasing her innate grace.

The school picture reveals Meghan’s bright smile and natural curls, offering a glimpse into the formative years leading to stardom.

Share your thoughts on these delightful insights into Meghan’s early beginnings and their impact on her journey.