Meghan Markle’s beauty evolution – from before Hollywood to Suits, meeting Prince Harry, the royal wedding, the birth of son Archie, Megxit and the Oprah interview

Mar 20 , 2021

Meghan Markle’s looks, from child to actress then Duchess. Photo: Buro 247 NY

Over the years, the Duchess of Sussex’s influence has been widespread, whether appearing on Time magazine power lists or advocating for Black Lives Matter

She’s remained a beauty and style icon, sporting looks from a fresh face and nude lips to smoky eyes and berry shades, plus topknots, fascinators and more

Meghan Markle grew up in LA and initially found it hard to get a start in Hollywood, taking calligraphy gigs in between acting jobs to pay the bills until her big break in Suits. A few years, a mutual friend and a prince later, the actress found herself at the centre of a highly publicised marriage into the British royal family. A few years on from that (after a scandalous departure from said family), Markle finds herself yet again all over the papers following her tell-all interview with Oprah.

An outspoken feminist and humanitarian, Markle has been nothing but consistent with her advocacy throughout her career, solidifying her reputation as one of the most influential people in the world, according to Time magazine in 2018. She went on to use her platform to advocate for the BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement and mental health issues, all while struggling with her own internal turmoil with the demands of royal life and the tenacious and arguably racist British tabloid newspapers.

Since being shot to mega-fame, she has garnered as much support as she has criticism. That said, however you feel about the former royal, there is no denying that she has become a renowned beauty and style icon. So we’ve taken a trip down memory lane to recap some of her looks growing up.

Pre-Hollywood

Young Meghan

Meghan Markle well before Hollywood. Photo: Buro 247 MY

Here’s a rare glimpse of Markle’s natural hair with its tight ringlets. She looks fresh-faced and almost unrecognisable – if not for that signature smile, that is.

1996: Foreshadowing?

Meghan Markle posing outside Buckingham Palace as a tourist. Photo: Buro 247 MY