Profile of the Day: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Posted August 4, 2020 by Amanda | No Comment

Happy birthday to Meghan, Duchess of Sussex! Today the Duchess turns 39.

Image: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex / Northern Ireland Office, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

She was born Rachel Meghan Markle on August 4, 1981 in Los Angeles, California to Thomas Markle, a television lighting and photography director, and Doria Ragland, a former social worker and yoga instructor. Her parents divorced when she was 6 years old.

After struggling to find steady work as an actor, Markle finally landed her big break in 2011 when she was cast in the USA network series, Suits. Although now retired from acting, Markle continues devote her work in support of numerous charities and humanitarian projects.

In 2016, Markle began making international headlines when news of her relationship with Prince Harry became public. The couple had met on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. They married on May 19, 2018 at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. A year later on May 6, they welcomed their son, Archie Harrison Montbateen-Windsor, who is seventh in line to the British throne.

In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess announced that they would step back from their senior roles in the royal family.

Explore Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected!