The Journey of Meghan Markle From College Campuses to Castle Courtyards

When Meghan Markle stepped into the royal spotlight, her Hollywood past became global gossip. But before she was Rachel Zane in Suits (an American legal drama television series) or the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was just another ambitious student navigating textbooks, campus coffee shops, and internships. Let’s dig into her academic credentials and career journey that shaped this modern duchess.

Academic Chronicles of Meghan Markle

High School: Meghan attended Immaculate Heart High School, a private, all-girls Catholic school in Los Angeles, and graduated in 1999. Here, she was already showing her flair for activism and creativity, participating in student government and theatre.
College: In 1999, Meghan’s academic journey took her to the prestigious Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. A double major, she graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Theater and International Studies. Northwestern, known for its top-tier programs in both fields, was the perfect platform for her diverse interests.
During her college years, Meghan wasn’t just sitting in lecture halls; she was also putting herself out there, joining the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and actively participating in volunteer work with the Glass Slipper Project, helping young girls prepare for their high school proms. And then came the internship. Meghan’s uncle, Michael Markle, helped her land a coveted position as a junior press officer at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires. This wasn’t just a gig—it was an exploration of Meghan’s potential in politics and diplomacy. Though she didn’t pass the Foreign Service Officer Test to pursue a career in the U.S. State Department, the experience broadened her horizons and showed her that there were more paths to walk than just the stage.

Meghan’s Career Hustle

Post-Graduation Struggles: The Grit Behind the Glamour
After graduating from Northwestern University, Meghan Markle’s early professional years were far from glamorous. Like many aspiring actors and creatives, she faced the realities of making ends meet in an often unpredictable industry. She took on a variety of odd jobs that required hustle, including freelance calligraphy, capitalizing on her exceptional handwriting skills—a talent she has since become known for. In fact, Meghan’s calligraphy has earned her admiration for its elegance and precision, and she even designed wedding invitations for some high-profile clients.
Additionally, Meghan embraced the yoga world, becoming a certified yoga instructor to support herself while pursuing acting. These experiences taught her resilience and gave her a strong work ethic, but they also allowed her to explore various sides of her creative and personal interests, which would later be reflected in her future ventures. Her humble beginnings grounded her, and her ability to juggle multiple jobs during this time showed her tenacity and commitment to her dreams.
Acting Career: The Struggles, Breakthroughs, and Star Power
Meghan’s big break in Hollywood didn’t come overnight. For years, she worked tirelessly, auditioning for roles and trying to make a name for herself. She landed small roles in a variety of television shows that helped her gain experience and build a resume. These roles included appearances in General Hospital (2002), where she played a nurse, and CSI: NY (2006), where she had a guest role. By 2008, she appeared in the popular teen drama 90210, marking her rise in Hollywood circles.
However, it wasn’t until 2011 that Meghan truly broke through with the role of Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits. Her portrayal of a sharp and ambitious paralegal with dreams of becoming a lawyer resonated with viewers, quickly establishing her as a fan favorite. Over the course of seven seasons, Meghan became a prominent figure on the show, with her character’s intellectual drive and ethical dilemmas making her a relatable role model. Rachel Zane wasn’t just a character—she represented the combination of brains, ambition, and resilience that Meghan herself embodied.
Meghan’s time on Suits (which ran until 2018) not only made her a household name but also allowed her to establish strong relationships within the industry. The role provided her with the exposure and recognition she needed to pursue other creative opportunities and venture into areas outside of acting.
Other Ventures: From Blogging to Building a Brand
While acting was Meghan’s primary focus, she was never content to limit herself to one pursuit. In 2014, she launched The Tig, a lifestyle blog that showcased her personal interests in food, travel, and self-empowerment. The blog was an extension of Meghan’s personality and values—celebrating wellness, eating well, and empowering women. She shared everything from her favorite recipes to travel tips, all while offering insights on mindfulness and self-love. The blog quickly gained a loyal following and allowed Meghan to connect with her audience on a more personal level. It also gave her the platform to express herself outside of her acting roles, tapping into her entrepreneurial spirit. However, as her relationship with Prince Harry became public in 2016, Meghan made the decision to shut down The Tig in 2017. The heightened public scrutiny that came with her newfound relationship meant that she could no longer maintain the level of privacy she once had, and her digital brand would need to evolve.

The Royal Pivot

In 2018, Meghan traded Hollywood for Buckingham Palace. While royal duties occupied her time, she didn’t abandon her passions. She co-authored a charity cookbook, Together: Our Community Cookbook, and worked with charities focused on women’s empowerment and education.

The Present Duchess of All Trades

In January 2020, Meghan and her husband Prince Harry officially announced their decision to step down from their roles as senior members of the British royal family moved to California.
Meghan and Harry moved to North America, initially living in Canada and later settling in California. This shift marked a new chapter in their lives, as they took on personal and professional projects, including their involvement with the Archewell Foundation, a nonprofit organization they founded, as well as ventures in media production and public speaking.
The Duchess took her knack for storytelling and partnered with Spotify and Netflix, producing content under their Archewell Foundation. Meghan’s life is now a mix of philanthropy, media production, and parenting.