George Boyle
Meghan Markle's life changed forever when she married Prince Harry in 2018. The Duchess of Sussex retired from acting, converted to a new religion, and became a British citizen. She also shut down her lifestyle blog and popular social media accounts. Markle's new role as a member of the royal family was to support the Queen. She became a patron of The Royal Foundation, the organisation behind Harry, Prince William, and Princess Kate's charitable efforts. The Duchess of Sussex and her husband also launched their own charity initiatives, such as Shout, a text messaging service for those suffering from mental health issues. Markle's transition into royal life was eased, but it was still tiring and demanding. She and Prince Harry faced divorce speculation but have since shut down these rumours, admitting they are in a honeymoon phase.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex |
| Title | Duchess of Sussex |
| Citizenship | Became a British citizen |
| Residence | Moved to California in 2020 |
| Career | Retired from acting |
| Social Media Presence | Shut down her lifestyle blog and social media accounts |
| Charity Work | Became a patron of The Royal Foundation |
| Family | Gave birth to a son, Archie, in 2019, and a daughter, Lilibet, in 2021 |
| Public Appearances | Started making appearances immediately after the engagement announcement |
| Schedule | Demanding and tiring |
| Public Image | Received criticism for potentially breaching royal protocol by interfering in politics |
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What You'll Learn
Meghan Markle's official title after marrying into the British royal family
Meghan Markle, an American actress, married Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, the younger son of King Charles III, in 2018. After marrying into the British royal family, Meghan became known as the Duchess of Sussex. The couple was granted the royal titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex by Queen Elizabeth, Harry's grandmother.
Meghan's first official engagement after her marriage was on May 22, when she and her husband attended a garden party celebrating the charity work of King Charles III, who was then the Prince of Wales. After her marriage, Meghan also became the fourth patron of The Royal Foundation, alongside her husband, Prince Harry, Prince William, and his wife, Catherine.
In June 2019, it was announced that Harry and Meghan would split from the charity and establish their own foundation. The following month, "Sussex Royal The Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex" was registered in England and Wales. However, in February 2020, it was confirmed that "Sussex Royal" would not be used as a brand name for the couple, following their step back from official life as working royals. Despite stepping back from their working royal roles, Harry and Meghan retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
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Markle's transition from acting to royal life
Meghan Markle's transition from acting to royal life was marked by several significant changes and adjustments. Firstly, Markle retired from her acting career, most notably her role as Rachel Zane on the TV drama "Suits," which she played for seven seasons. She also shut down her lifestyle blog, The Tig, and her popular social media accounts, recognising the need to maintain a more private persona as a member of the British royal family.
One of the most notable aspects of Markle's transition was her immediate immersion into royal duties and the public spotlight. Royal observers noted that Markle's acting background and experience with public speaking would likely aid her in this new role. Markle began making appearances and undertaking royal engagements soon after her engagement to Prince Harry was announced, indicating her readiness for the demanding schedule and her eagerness to get involved.
As a member of the royal family, Markle's primary role became one of support for the Queen and the royal family's charitable endeavours. She became a patron of The Royal Foundation, alongside Prince Harry, Prince William, and Catherine. In 2019, as part of the Heads Together initiative, the Duchess of Sussex and her husband launched Shout, a text messaging service for those suffering from mental health issues.
Markle also had to navigate the challenges of maintaining friendships and adjusting to life in the public eye. She moved to a new country, converted to a new religion, and became a British citizen, all while learning to balance her new life as a royal with her previous commitments and relationships.
Markle's transition into royal life was not without challenges and speculation. She faced criticism for potentially breaching royal protocol by commenting on political issues, such as Brexit and the Irish referendum on abortion rights. Additionally, there were rumours of divorce, with royal experts speculating based on the couple's separate appearances at events. However, Markle and Prince Harry have consistently denied these rumours, expressing their mutual support for each other and their commitment to their family.
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The couple's wedding broke from royal tradition
The wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry broke from several royal traditions. Firstly, the couple chose to hold hands and display affection in public, which is not typically done by senior royals. Secondly, Markle was a divorcee, which was once seen as a disastrous choice for a senior royal partner. Thirdly, they chose to exchange wedding rings, with Harry notably wearing a wedding band, which is uncommon among royal men.
The wedding ceremony itself also broke from tradition with a gospel choir and an African American bishop, as well as a bridal party of bridesmaids and page boys who were not all from the royal family. The wedding cake was also a break from tradition, with the couple opting for a spring-inspired lemon and elderflower cake coated in buttercream and fresh flowers, instead of the traditional fruitcake.
The couple also chose to depart from tradition in their roles within the royal family. Markle, a former actress, was already accustomed to public life and speaking, which helped her transition into her new role. She and Harry also chose to step back from official royal duties and relocate to North America, becoming financially independent and establishing their own charitable foundation.
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The demanding schedule of royal life
Markle started making appearances right after her engagement to Prince Harry was announced in November 2017, indicating her readiness for the demanding schedule. She attended a service of commemoration and thanksgiving to mark Anzac Day in Westminster Abbey in April 2018, and became a patron of The Royal Foundation after her marriage. Markle's acting background and experience in the public eye likely helped her transition into royal life, as she is used to extemporaneous speaking and having a public and private persona.
As a member of the royal family, Markle has had to adjust to maintaining friendships while unable to easily venture out in public. She has also had to give up certain freedoms, such as the ability to express her political views. Despite the challenges, Markle has been praised for her genuine interest and curiosity, which stem from her background in charitable work.
In 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from senior royal responsibilities and moved to California. They established their own foundation, "Sussex Royal The Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex", while continuing to collaborate with the royal family on mutual projects such as the mental health initiative Heads Together. The couple has since welcomed two children and continues to build their life together.
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Markle's charitable work
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been involved in charitable work throughout her time as a member of the British royal family. Markle's charitable work has focused primarily on women's issues and social justice.
In February 2018, Markle and her fiancé Prince Harry attended the first annual forum of The Royal Foundation. After her marriage, Meghan became the foundation's fourth patron, alongside Prince Harry, Prince William, and his wife, Catherine. In May 2019, as part of their Heads Together initiative, the Duchess of Sussex, together with her husband and in-laws, launched Shout, a text messaging service for those suffering from mental health issues.
Markle has also been involved in charitable work outside of the Royal Family. She has expressed disappointment over the UK's Brexit decision and recommended the book 'Who Rules the World?' by left-wing intellectual Noam Chomsky on her Instagram account. Markle has also encouraged others to register for the 2020 US presidential election, alongside her husband.
In 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from senior royal responsibilities and moved to California. They have since continued their charitable work, including the establishment of their own foundation, "Sussex Royal The Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex", which was registered in England and Wales.
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Frequently asked questions
Meghan Markle will be known as the Duchess of Sussex.
Meghan Markle will support the Queen and take on royal engagements. Markle will also continue her charitable work, with a focus on women's issues and social justice.
No, Meghan Markle retired from acting after marrying Prince Harry.
