New Insights into Meghan Markle’s Childhood Through Unseen Photos

In December, a special series featuring Harry and Meghan Markle was launched on Netflix. This six-episode documentary delves into their journey from the early days of their relationship to marriage, along with the challenges that ultimately led them to step away from royal duties.

Buckingham Palace chose not to comment on the series, likely hoping no potentially harmful content would emerge. Meghan, having had a thriving show business career before her royal involvement, experienced an eventual departure from that world as well. Despite the palace’s wishes, the series revealed unseen images of Meghan Markle.

A Look Back

Born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California, Meghan quickly found herself immersed in the entertainment industry thanks to her father, Thomas Markle, an Emmy-winning lighting director. He often brought her on set during her childhood.

Growing Up Meghan Markle

Educated at Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, Meghan’s school life contrasted sharply with her time on set. She once recalled the humorously inappropriate environment for a young Catholic schoolgirl visiting the set of “Married, with Children.” Her father often suggested she help in craft services to shield her from more adult-themed environments.

Even as a child, Meghan had a passion for making positive changes. At age 11, she was disturbed by a gender-biased dish soap commercial. Her concern about traditional gender roles led her to speak out.

She believed children shouldn’t grow up thinking certain jobs were solely a mother’s duty. Her father encouraged her activism, helping her write to prominent figures like Hillary Clinton. Soon after, the soap company revised its tagline to “People All Over America.”

Meghan pursued her interest in acting by studying communication at Northwestern University, though she initially hesitated at fueling a Los Angeles stereotype of aspiring actresses in Hollywood. Nevertheless, she relocated to Illinois to double major in theater and international relations.

Television Beginnings

After an internship at the US Embassy in Argentina, Meghan considered politics before fully diving into her theater passion. Her initial foray into show business began with the role of a briefcase model on “Deal or No Deal.” She humorously recalled how her briefcase, number 26, was rarely picked, leaving her in uncomfortable high heels for lengthy periods.

Despite rocky beginnings, Meghan secured small parts in films such as “Get Him to the Greek” and “Remember Me” and appeared in “General Hospital.” Her big break came in 2011 with the role of Rachel Zane on the TV series “Suits.”

Meghan played Rachel Zane until 2018, a year marked by her engagement and subsequent marriage to Prince Harry, altering her life once more.

Her First Marriage

Before Prince Harry, Meghan had been married to Trevor Engelson. Trevor, born in 1976, began his career as a production assistant and rose to film producer, working on various projects including “Remember Me” with Robert Pattinson, in which Meghan had a cameo.

Meghan and Trevor met in 2004 and dated for seven years before marrying in 2011. Their wedding, held at Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, was a grand three-day affair filled with parties, games, and brunches.

Despite Meghan’s role in “Deal or No Deal,” author Andrew Morton revealed in his book “Meghan: A Hollywood Princess” that Trevor seldom visited Meghan on set, a fact noted by others as unusual, perhaps due to his busy career.

Moving On

Though Meghan found success with “Suits,” the couple’s marriage faced challenges. Meghan’s move to Toronto for filming created a distance difficult for the couple to bridge. Ultimately, in 2013, the couple divorced citing irreconcilable differences. It was said that Trevor was heartbroken when Meghan unexpectedly returned their wedding and engagement rings via mail.

Royal Family History

Despite her past low-profile marriage, once part of the royal family, Meghan couldn’t completely escape scrutiny. Historically, royal divorces tainted one’s standing, although there have been about ten divorces within the family.

The Restriction on Remarriage

Divorcees, especially those marrying into the royal family, faced unique challenges, as seen with Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, and Charles and Diana. Until 2002, the Church of England resisted remarriages where an ex-spouse lived, a factor relevant as Meghan’s past marriage became known.

Though societal norms shifted, Meghan’s earlier marriage remained a sensitive topic for the royal family, which prefers tradition over transparency.

A Evolving Monarchy

The royal family, steeped in centuries-old tradition, is slowly evolving with the times. Other European monarchies also see change; for instance, Denmark and its adaptation of royal roles. Harry and Meghan’s choice to leave royal obligations was part of this shifting landscape, aligning with Prince William and Kate Middleton’s desires for a more modern upbringing for their children.

Despite the fallout from stepping back and their controversial media revelations, Harry and Meghan forged a path in the US, facing criticism from other royals as their personal stories came to light, especially in the Netflix series revealing moments from their children’s lives and previously hidden images of Meghan.

The docuseries showcased candid glimpses into their youth, with Meghan sharing childhood photos forgotten by the public.

Unearthed Childhood Memories

Many shared images highlighted Meghan’s early years, including one with her mother, Doria Ragland, and another showing Meghan in a yellow sweater during play.