Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The incredible life of actress, entrepreneur, and women's rights activist Meghan Markle

Alison Millington
Tuesday 15 November 2016 21:20 GMT
Comments
Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Meghan Markle has barely been out of the headlines recently — and all because of the new man in her life, Prince Harry.

But don't let the press fool you, Markle is so much more than the girlfriend of a British royal.

Born in Los Angeles, she is best known for her role on legal drama "Suits," in which she plays Rachel Zane.

Away from the camera, she is the founder of lifestyle website and brand The Tig, and a fashion designer. She also works as a women's rights activist for the UN's Women's Political Participation and Leadership programme.

From meeting political leaders in Rwanda to enjoying a British Sunday roast with a YouTube star, read on for the incredible jetsetting life and accomplishments of Meghan Markle.

Meet Meghan Markle, the 35-year-old actress, entrepreneur, and political activist who also happens to be Prince Harry's new girlfriend.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

Best known for playing Rachel Zane in legal drama "Suits," she made her acting debut in "General Hospital" in 2002. She has also starred in shows including "CSI: NY" and "Castle," as well as films like "Get Him To The Greek" and "Horrible Bosses."

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

She lives in Toronto, where "Suits" is filmed. It was here that she reportedly met Harry in May while he was visiting the city to promote the Invictus Games 2017.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

This means she, and her two adopted dogs, are used to the snow.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

While "Suits" may have put her on the map, Markle is much more than just an actress.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

She is an official advocate for the UN's Women's Political Participation & Leadership programme, and gave a speech for International Women's Day in 2015.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

As part of her work with the UN, she travelled to Rwanda to meet female political leaders.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

In December 2014, she travelled to Afghanistan with General Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on a United Service Organisations tour.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

She also attended the One Young World Summit in Ottawa in September, where she met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

Markle founded and writes for lifestyle website and brand The Tig. It features travel, food, fashion, and fitness articles, as well as interviews with powerful women. Markle also blogs on issues like civil rights and empowerment.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

The Tig also promotes Markle's "accessible" clothing range, "Meghan Markle Collection." The collection was launched with Canadian retailer Reitmans and every item is under $100 (£56).

She also has a passion for style and is seen wearing high fashion pieces from the likes of Chanel and Christian Louboutin.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

Markle is big on interior design, regularly writing about entertaining and decluttering on The Tig. She also posts photos of her own cosy space.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

She is a fan of art and collects pieces for her home.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

Like her "Suits" character Rachel, Markle is a self-proclaimed foodie. She dabbles in everything from pizza to vegan food.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

She doesn't hold back on letting the world know she enjoys a cocktail (or two).

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

Keeping fit is also a priority, as evidenced by her impressive yoga skills.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

Markle's social media shows the life of an international jetsetter. Whether for work, volunteering or pleasure, she seems to always be travelling.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

She visits New York City so much that she calls it her "home away from home."

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

Another favourite is Positano on Italy's Amalfi coast.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

More recently, however, she appears to have spent a lot of her time in London.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

She even cheered on Serena Williams at Wimbledon in July.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

When she's in the city, Soho House is her favourite place to stay (although she now may call Kensington Palace home).

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

She seems to be learning the ways of British life by making friends with locals over a Sunday roast. Here she is with YouTube sensation Tanya Burr.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

She has also spent time with former "Made in Chelsea" star Millie Mackintosh.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

While The Daily Mail reported that Markle has returned home to Toronto to continue filming, one thing is certain – the UK hasn't seen the last of Meghan Markle.

 

A photo posted by Meghan Markle (@meghanmarkle) on

Read more:

• This chart is easy to interpret: It says we're screwed
• How Uber became the world's most valuable startup
• These 4 things could trigger the next crisis in Europe

Read the original article on Business Insider UK. © 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in