In December 2022, the six-part Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan was released, offering an in-depth look at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s relationship, their departure from royal duties, and their personal reflections on life in the public eye. Among the most discussed elements of the series were never-before-seen photos of Meghan Markle’s childhood, which gave viewers a rare glimpse into her early life in Los Angeles.
While Buckingham Palace has not commented on the series, the personal photos and stories shared by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have added a new perspective to public understanding of the Duchess’s upbringing.
Meghan Markle’s Early Life
Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of Thomas Markle, an Emmy Award-winning lighting director, and Doria Ragland, a social worker and yoga instructor.
Growing up in Los Angeles exposed Meghan to the entertainment industry from an early age. As she recalled in a 2013 interview with Esquire, she frequently visited her father on the set of the television sitcom Married… with Children. This behind-the-scenes exposure helped shape her interest in performance and media.
Meghan attended Immaculate Heart High School, an all-girls Catholic school in Los Angeles, before studying at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. At Northwestern, she double-majored in theater and international studies, laying the foundation for both her acting career and her interest in global affairs.
A Childhood with Activism and Advocacy
Even as a child, Meghan demonstrated a strong sense of social awareness. At the age of 11, she successfully campaigned to have the wording of a dishwashing soap advertisement changed from “Women all over America” to “People all over America.” This early advocacy, reported in interviews and documentaries, highlighted her determination to challenge stereotypes and advocate for equality.
This spirit of activism continued into adulthood, later informing her work with organizations focused on gender equality and humanitarian causes.
Meghan Markle’s Early Career
Before achieving mainstream recognition, Meghan pursued various opportunities in film and television. She briefly appeared as a briefcase model on the game show Deal or No Deal before moving on to acting roles in productions such as General Hospital and films including Get Him to the Greek (2010) and Remember Me (2010).
Her breakthrough role came in 2011 when she was cast as paralegal Rachel Zane on the USA Network drama Suits. Meghan appeared in more than 100 episodes of the show until her departure in 2018, shortly before her marriage to Prince Harry.
Marriage to Prince Harry
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry met in 2016 and announced their engagement in November 2017. Their wedding, held at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018, was a globally televised event watched by millions.
Following their marriage, Meghan became the Duchess of Sussex. The couple later welcomed two children: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in 2019 and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor in 2021.
Transition Away from Royal Duties
In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they would step back as senior members of the Royal Family. According to the official Royal Family statement, this meant they would no longer undertake official duties or represent the monarchy, though they retained their titles.
The decision was followed by a move to the United States, where Harry and Meghan have since focused on media, philanthropy, and advocacy projects through their organization, Archewell.
The Netflix Series Harry & Meghan
Released in December 2022, the six-episode docuseries provided unprecedented access to the couple’s perspective on their relationship, media scrutiny, and decision to leave royal life. Among its most personal elements were private photographs and video clips, many of which had never been shared publicly.
For Meghan, this included childhood photos with her mother, school pictures, and family moments. These images gave viewers a fuller picture of her upbringing and the experiences that shaped her values and personality.
Never-Before-Seen Childhood Photos of Meghan Markle
The documentary featured several previously unseen images of Meghan, spanning from her early childhood to her teenage years.
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One photo shows Meghan as a young child with her mother, Doria Ragland, capturing an intimate family moment.
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Another image portrays Meghan in a yellow sweater, smiling as she plays outdoors.
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A school portrait highlights her bright smile in a white polo-neck shirt, reflecting her school years in Los Angeles.
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In another photograph, she wears a blue collared blouse as part of her school uniform, her natural curls framing her face.
These images provided fans and viewers with a humanizing view of Meghan beyond her public role, emphasizing her identity as a daughter and student long before her acting career or royal marriage.
Meghan Markle and Royal Traditions
Meghan’s marriage to Prince Harry brought her into the centuries-old traditions of the British monarchy. While the Royal Family has evolved significantly in recent decades, certain customs and expectations remain.
Historically, the monarchy and the Church of England maintained restrictions regarding divorce and remarriage. According to History.com, it was not until the late 20th and early 21st centuries that divorced individuals could more freely remarry within the Church. Meghan, who had previously been married to film producer Trevor Engelson (2004–2013), entered the Royal Family during a period of modernization, reflecting the institution’s gradual shift toward adapting long-standing traditions to contemporary society.
A Modern Era for the Monarchy
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to step back from royal duties reflects a broader theme of modernization and adaptation within European monarchies. As reported by outlets such as BBC News and The Guardian, younger royals across Europe are increasingly balancing tradition with personal independence.
For Meghan and Harry, this has meant building a life in California focused on family, advocacy, and media projects. Through their Netflix series, podcast work, and charitable initiatives, they continue to influence discussions on mental health, equality, and media accountability.
Conclusion
The never-before-seen childhood photos of Meghan Markle featured in the Harry & Meghan Netflix series provide valuable insight into her early life and personal background. From her upbringing in Los Angeles to her activism as a young girl and her eventual rise in acting and royal life, Meghan’s story reflects resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to advocacy.
While media attention often centers on controversies, the inclusion of private family images in the Netflix series highlights a different perspective: Meghan as a daughter, student, and young woman navigating her journey long before stepping into global prominence.
As the British monarchy continues to adapt to a changing world, the personal stories of figures like Meghan Markle remind audiences that behind the headlines are individuals with rich histories, families, and experiences that shape who they are today.
