The Netflix series featuring Harry and Meghan Markle debuted in December, offering an in-depth look at their relationship from the moment they met to their decision to step away from royal duties. Buckingham Palace, however, chose to remain silent on the series, likely hoping to avoid any controversies.

Before stepping into royal life, Meghan had her own successful career in the entertainment industry. While her journey with the royal family didn’t end as expected, it provided the world with some fascinating insights.

The release of the Netflix series, as well as Harry’s revealing book Spare, brought to light numerous aspects of their lives, including some previously unreleased photos of Meghan Markle.

Meghan Markle’s story begins in Los Angeles, California, where she was born on August 4, 1981. Immersed in the world of Hollywood from a young age, thanks to her father Thomas Markle, an Emmy award-winning lighting director, Meghan often accompanied him to sets, such as Married, with Children.

Meghan’s Early Years

Having attended the all-girls Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, Meghan’s upbringing was quite unique. “Every day after school for 10 years, I was on the set of Married, with Children,” she shared in an interview with Esquire. Her father’s protective nature sometimes led him to encourage her to help with craft services outside the set to avoid seeing things not suited for her young eyes.

Even as a child, Meghan demonstrated a strong desire for social change. At just 11, after watching a dishwashing soap commercial targeting women, she was inspired to challenge the bias. With her father’s support, she wrote to influential figures, including Hillary Clinton, resulting in a change of the commercial’s slogan.

Fueled by her passion for the arts, Meghan pursued communication studies at Northwestern University. Even though acting was her goal, she was wary of being another actress from LA.

Transition to the Big Screen

At Northwestern, Meghan specialized in theater and international relations and even interned at the US Embassy in Argentina before deciding against a political career. Her break in showbiz came not as an actor, but as a briefcase model on Deal or No Deal.

Her first notable role arrived in 2011 when she was cast as Rachel Zane on Suits. This marked the turning point of her career.

In 2018, Meghan’s life took another dramatic turn as she married Prince Harry, transitioning from an actress to a duchess.

Her First Marriage

Before Harry, Meghan was married to Trevor Engelson, a film producer, from 2011. Their marriage ended in 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. Their busy careers kept them apart, eventually leading to a separation that was formalized when Meghan mailed the wedding rings to Trevor after their split.

Royals and the Taboo of Divorce

The royal family historically frowns upon divorces, with few exceptions. The controversies surrounding Meghan’s prior marriage were among the many issues Buckingham Palace preferred to keep out of the spotlight.

While some royal family members, including Prince Andrew and Princess Diana, have experienced public divorces, Meghan’s past marriage was a sensitive topic for the royals.

The traditional view held by the Church of England only recognized marriages if the former spouse was deceased until recent years.

A Modern Monarchy?

In the face of traditional expectations, Harry and Meghan aimed to forge their path. Their decision to step back from royal duties was a modern-moving gesture toward managing personal priorities. Such transitions reflect shifting practices in European monarchies, albeit often met with resistance from tradition-bound royals.

The couple, through their Netflix series, offered a glimpse into their personal life, sharing previously unseen pictures and stories with the public.

Intimate Memories Shared

The series included rare childhood pictures showing Meghan with her mother, playing in a yellow sweater, and another as a young girl experimenting with makeup.

Such personal images provide an intimate perspective of Meghan’s early years, away from the public eye.

Meghan’s school photo, characterized by her bright smile in a white polo-neck, surfaced as one of the personal treasures shared with viewers.

Then and now images show how Meghan has evolved from a young girl with thick dark curls to a prominent figure attracting global media attention.

These shared memories not only help understand Meghan’s journey but also invite audiences into the often private lives of public figures. The unfolding of these stories, with never-seen-before visuals, showcases how personal narratives intertwine with the broader royal tale, resonating with people around the globe.

Enjoy exploring more about Meghan Markle and the royal family through these genuine glimpses into her life.