When Netflix released its six-part docuseries Harry & Meghan in December 2022, it promised an unprecedented look into the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s lives — from their decision to step back as working royals to their reflections on life in the public eye. Among the most talked-about elements were the rare childhood photos of Meghan Markle, giving viewers an intimate glimpse into her early years in Los Angeles.
Meghan’s Early Life and Education
Rachel Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles to Thomas Markle, an Emmy Award-winning lighting director, and Doria Ragland, a social worker and yoga instructor. Growing up around the entertainment industry, she often visited her father on the set of Married… with Children, experiences that later inspired her interest in performance and media.
She attended Immaculate Heart High School, a Catholic all-girls school in L.A., before enrolling at Northwestern University, where she studied both theater and international relations — a dual path that would later define her career in acting and her commitment to global advocacy.
Early Activism and Career
Meghan’s activism began long before her royal chapter. At age 11, she successfully lobbied a major corporation to change the wording of a dishwashing soap advertisement from “Women all over America” to “People all over America.” This early victory foreshadowed her later work on gender equality and humanitarian causes.
Her acting career took off gradually, with early roles in General Hospital and small films like Get Him to the Greek (2010) and Remember Me (2010). She also appeared as a briefcase model on Deal or No Deal before landing her breakout role as Rachel Zane on the hit legal drama Suits in 2011, where she remained until 2018.
Marriage Into the Royal Family
Meghan met Prince Harry in 2016, and the couple’s engagement was announced in November 2017. Their wedding, held at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in May 2018, was watched by millions worldwide. Together, they welcomed two children: Archie in 2019 and Lilibet in 2021.
Stepping Back From Royal Duties
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced they would step back as senior members of the Royal Family. Moving to California, they shifted their focus to philanthropy, media, and advocacy through their Archewell Foundation.
The Netflix Docuseries
The Harry & Meghan series offered a rare personal perspective, mixing interviews with home videos and never-before-seen images. For Meghan, this included childhood photos with her mother, Doria, snapshots from school years, and candid moments that revealed a playful, thoughtful young girl far removed from her current public role.
One photo shows her in a yellow sweater, smiling outdoors; another depicts her in a blue collared school blouse, her natural curls framing her face. These intimate glimpses highlighted Meghan’s journey long before Hollywood or royalty.
Meghan and Tradition
Meghan’s marriage also symbolized a modernizing monarchy. As a divorcée—she was married to film producer Trevor Engelson from 2004 to 2013—her entry into the Royal Family reflected shifting attitudes within an institution historically bound by religious and cultural restrictions on divorce.
A Modern Life Beyond the Palace
Today, Harry and Meghan’s life in California represents both independence and reinvention. Through Netflix, their podcast work, and Archewell projects, they continue to spotlight issues such as mental health, equality, and media responsibility.
Conclusion
The childhood photos revealed in Harry & Meghan offered more than nostalgia — they provided context. They reminded audiences that behind the headlines, Meghan Markle is not only a duchess or celebrity, but also a daughter, student, and advocate shaped by her own history.
Her story, framed by resilience and adaptability, underscores how personal roots and values can carry into global influence, even when lived under the harshest public spotlight.
