Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has remained one of the most widely discussed members of the British royal family since her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. While her transition from Hollywood actress to royal figure attracted global headlines, her decision to step back from senior royal duties alongside Prince Harry in 2020 marked a turning point in both her personal life and her public role.
Meghan Markle’s Background
Meghan Markle was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1981. Before joining the royal family, she worked in the entertainment industry, most notably for her role as Rachel Zane on the legal drama Suits (USA Network, 2011–2018).
Alongside acting, Meghan was active in humanitarian work. According to the United Nations, she served as an Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership. She also collaborated with World Vision on campaigns promoting clean water access and women’s rights. These initiatives formed the foundation for her later philanthropic projects.
Marriage to Prince Harry
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were married on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. The wedding, attended by members of the royal family and watched by millions globally, symbolized a new chapter for the monarchy, as Meghan became the first mixed-race member of the modern British royal family.
Following their marriage, Meghan took on royal duties alongside Prince Harry. She supported initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, education, and social equality. Her patronages included organizations such as the Association of Commonwealth Universities and Smart Works, a charity supporting women entering the workforce.
Stepping Back from Royal Duties
In January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family. Buckingham Palace confirmed the arrangement, which included the couple no longer using the style “His/Her Royal Highness” and becoming financially independent.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex later settled in Montecito, California, where they established their own foundation, Archewell. This decision was widely covered by outlets including BBC News and Associated Press, which noted that the couple’s focus shifted toward philanthropy, media projects, and advocacy.
Life in California
Since relocating to the United States, Meghan and Harry have pursued projects aligned with their values. Archewell, founded in 2020, has two main branches: Archewell Foundation, which supports nonprofit work, and Archewell Productions, which creates media content.
Through Archewell Foundation, the couple has partnered with organizations addressing issues such as vaccine equity, online safety, mental health support, and humanitarian aid. Archewell Productions, in partnership with Netflix, has developed documentaries and series designed to highlight inspirational stories.
For example, the 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan explored the couple’s personal journey, while the 2023 series Live to Lead showcased global leaders who have made significant contributions to society.
Meghan Markle’s Advocacy and Public Work
Meghan continues to advocate for issues she has long championed, including gender equality, racial justice, and mental health awareness. She has delivered speeches and written essays on these topics, often highlighting the importance of media accountability and the need for more compassionate storytelling.
In addition, Meghan has taken part in global events such as the Time 100 series and the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, where she has emphasized responsible leadership and the importance of empowering young people.
Relationship with the Royal Family
Since stepping back, Meghan and Harry’s relationship with the royal family has been a subject of public interest. Verified details about their royal interactions primarily come from official palace statements and the couple’s own accounts, such as their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
While some media outlets have framed the couple’s choices as controversial, it is important to note that both Buckingham Palace and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have emphasized their ongoing commitment to serving the public in different ways.
Prince Harry continues to maintain his patronages, including with the Invictus Games Foundation, which supports wounded and injured veterans. Meghan, meanwhile, continues her focus on charitable causes independently and through Archewell.
Media Coverage and Public Image
Meghan Markle has consistently drawn media attention, both positive and critical. According to The Guardian and BBC News, coverage of her role in the royal family has raised important debates about race, class, and the role of the press in shaping public perceptions.
Her experience has also underscored the challenges faced by public figures navigating intense media scrutiny. This has led Meghan and Prince Harry to advocate for responsible journalism, highlighting the harm caused by misinformation and invasive reporting.
Current Projects
As of 2024, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continue to balance philanthropic work with media production. Their Netflix partnership remains active, and Archewell Foundation continues to fund initiatives worldwide.
In addition to media work, Meghan has been involved in projects related to children’s welfare, women’s empowerment, and community aid. Prince Harry has remained engaged with veteran-focused initiatives and mental health advocacy.
While speculation about the couple’s next steps often circulates online, only verified announcements from Archewell or official press statements should be considered accurate.
Why Verified Information Matters
In an era of rapid news sharing, speculation about public figures often spreads quickly. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are frequent subjects of such speculation, with unverified claims sometimes gaining traction on social media.
To ensure accurate understanding, readers should rely on reputable outlets such as BBC, Associated Press, The Guardian, and CNN. These organizations verify their information and provide context rooted in fact rather than rumor.
By focusing on trusted sources, the public can better appreciate Meghan Markle’s contributions and challenges without being misled by unsubstantiated claims.
Conclusion
Meghan Markle’s life continues to evolve beyond the British royal family. From her early career in Hollywood to her current work as a philanthropist and media producer, she remains a figure of global interest. Alongside Prince Harry, she has pursued independent projects in California through Archewell, focusing on issues such as gender equality, mental health, and community support.
While speculation often surrounds her role, the verified facts highlight a clear narrative: Meghan Markle has consistently used her platform to advocate for causes she values, while building a new life with her family outside of traditional royal duties.
Her story underscores the importance of distinguishing between fact-based reporting and rumor, reminding us that public conversations about prominent figures should be guided by respect and accuracy.