Meghan Markle's journey from an actress, British royal to a mother

Sussex royal's official Instagram confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle has given to a baby boy. Meghan Markle's journey has been quite remarkable from being an actress to Duchess and now a mother to a royal baby. Here's her journey

Updated On: 2019-05-07 01:20 PM IST

Meghan Markle now Duchess of Sussex was born as Rachel Meghan Markle on August 4, 1981. Markle was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and has a mixed ethnic heritage. Meghan Markle studied Communications at Northwestern University. Meghan Markle's parents divorced when she was six. She lived with her mom Doria Ragland, a yoga instructor, and social worker, after the separation

While struggling to earn a living before finding fame, Meghan Markle had a knack for cursive writing and calligraphy. Her writing was so skilled that she worked freelance, designing handwritten invitations for celebrities. Meghan Markle started doing yoga when she was 7 years old. Her mother taught yoga and brought her along as a youngster to 'mommy and me' classes.

It was love at first sight for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who both quickly sensed their brief encounter on a blind date could blossom into something much, much bigger. They were set up by a mutual friend when US actress Markle was passing through London in July 2016, with the couple later revealing they knew little about each other. The speed of their relationship surprised them both

As an actress, Meghan Markle played the role of Rachel Zane on the American legal drama series Suits from 2011 to 2017. The former American actress retired from acting after getting married to Prince Harry in 2018

Meghan Markle made her final appearance as Rachel Zane in legal drama "Suits", which ended its seventh season in the US in April 2018. When her engagement was announced, Meghan Markle said that she was giving up her acting career for a "new chapter" in her life. In the episode called Good-Bye, Markle's character marries her long-term boyfriend Mike Ross, played by Patrick J Adams

Before Prince Harry, Meghan Markle dated actor and producer Trevor Engelson in 2004. They got married in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, on September 10, 2011 but got divorced in August 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. Meghan Markle was then in a relationship with celebrity chef and restaurateur Cory Vitiello which lasted almost two years, ending in May 2016

On May 19, 2018, Prince Harry, sixth in line to the British throne, and US actress Meghan Markle sealed their wedding vows with a kiss outside Windsor Castle's St. George's Chapel cheered on by thousands of delighted crowds. The couple - the Duke and Duchess of Sussex -- exchanged rings in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II and 600 celebrity guests. The Dean of Windsor, the Right Reverend David Conner, conducted the wedding service while the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, officiated it

Meghan Markle looked beautiful in pure white silk Givenchy gown and 15 feet veil embroidered with flowers and held in place by a diamond tiara lent by the Queen for her wedding with Prince Harry. Meghan surprised everyone by wearing a wedding dress designed by Givenchy's Clare Waight Keller after months of speculation linking her to other designers such as Erdem, and moved her groom to tears in the stunning classic creation

Meghan Markle's 16-foot-long veil was held in place by a diamond bandeau tiara lent to her by the Queen. In her vows, Meghan Markle did not promise to "obey" her husband, while Prince Harry broke with royal tradition by choosing to wear a wedding ring. His ring was a platinum band with a textured finish and Markle's was made from a piece of Welsh go

While some people fret over their clothes, hair, or nails before a meet with their future in-laws, Meghan Markle had to go beyond all those petty things. The future-royal had to relearn and hone her tea drinking skills before meeting her future grandmother-in-law Queen Elizabeth II to gain her approval. The fact was revealed in Markle's biography, 'Meghan: A Hollywood Princess', penned by Andrew Morton

Reportedly tensions between the sisters-in-law - Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle made headlines. Tensions seemingly escalated during a dress fitting for Middleton's daughter, Princess Charlotte where the Duchess of Cambridge was reportedly 'left in tears.'

The British royals - Kate Middleton, Prince William, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry are called the fab four. 

Meghan Markle is a Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada, and she advocates for gender equality and the empowerment of women with the UN. She has also supported causes like AIDS & HIV, animals, children, disaster relief, education, environment, family and parent support, gender equality, health, Human Rights, hunger, poverty, water etc

In October 2018, the Kensington Palace announced that Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle are expecting their first baby. "Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019," Kensington Palace said in a statement

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, welcomed a baby boy on May 6, 2019, the Buckingham Palace said in an announcement. The child is seventh in line to the throne and an eighth great-grandchild for the 93-year-old Queen Elizabeth II. The baby is a fourth grandchild for Prince Charles and a first for Meghan Markle's mother Doria Ragland

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