History of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in Timeline
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is an American-born member of the British royal family. Formerly known as Meghan Markle, she had a successful acting career before marrying Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in 2018. They have two children and reside primarily in California. Her entrance into the royal family and subsequent departure have been the subject of intense media scrutiny.
1944: Birth of Thomas Markle Sr.
Thomas Markle Sr., Meghan Markle's father, was born in 1944.
1956: Birth of Doria Ragland
Doria Ragland, Meghan Markle's mother, was born in 1956.
August 4, 1981: Birth of Rachel Meghan Markle
On August 4, 1981, Rachel Meghan Markle was born at West Park Hospital in Canoga Park, Los Angeles, California.
1990: Controversy Over Mandela Comparison
Meghan Markle's interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2022 sparked controversy due to her claim that her marriage to Prince Harry was celebrated in South Africa with a level of joy comparable to Nelson Mandela's release from prison in 1990.
1999: Enrollment at Northwestern University
Meghan Markle enrolled at Northwestern University in 1999 to pursue her undergraduate studies.
2003: Graduation from Northwestern University
Meghan Markle graduated from Northwestern University in 2003 with a double major in theater and international studies.
2004: Beginning of Relationship with Trevor Engelson
Meghan Markle and Trevor Engelson began dating in 2004.
2004: First On-Screen Appearance and Early Acting Roles
Meghan Markle made her first on-screen appearance in 2004 with a small role in the soap opera "General Hospital." She also took on other minor roles in television series like "Century City."
2006: Guest Roles and "Deal or No Deal"
Meghan Markle appeared as a guest star on TV shows like "The War at Home" and "CSI: NY" in 2006. She also worked as a "briefcase girl" on the game show "Deal or No Deal" during this time.
2007: Continued Work on "Deal or No Deal"
Meghan Markle continued her role as a "briefcase girl" on "Deal or No Deal" until 2007.
2010: Film Roles and Notable Projects
Meghan Markle appeared in films like "Get Him to the Greek," "Remember Me," and "The Candidate" in 2010, gaining further recognition for her acting skills.
2010: The Working Actress Blog Begins
Meghan Markle began anonymously writing a blog called The Working Actress, detailing the experiences of aspiring actors in Hollywood, in 2010.
July 2011: Joins the Cast of "Suits"
Meghan Markle joined the cast of the USA Network legal drama "Suits" in July 2011, playing the role of Rachel Zane.
August 16, 2011: Marriage to Trevor Engelson
Meghan Markle and Trevor Engelson got married on August 16, 2011, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
2011: Meghan Markle Marries Trevor Engelson
Meghan Markle married American film producer Trevor Engelson in 2011.
2012: The Working Actress Blog Ends
Meghan Markle stopped writing her anonymous blog, The Working Actress, in 2012.
July 2013: Separation from Trevor Engelson
Meghan Markle and Trevor Engelson separated in July 2013.
February 2014: Divorce from Trevor Engelson
Meghan Markle and Trevor Engelson finalized their divorce in February 2014, citing irreconcilable differences.
2014: Divorce from Trevor Engelson and Launch of "The Tig"
Meghan Markle and Trevor Engelson divorced in 2014. In the same year, she launched her lifestyle blog, "The Tig."
2014: Counsellor for One Young World and Tour with United Service Organizations
Meghan Markle became a counsellor for the international network One Young World in 2014. That same year, she spoke at the organization's summit in Dublin and went on tour with the United Service Organizations.
2014: The Tig is Founded
Meghan Markle started her lifestyle blog, The Tig, in 2014, which gained a large following and featured a variety of lifestyle content.
2015: First Reitmans Fashion Collection
Meghan Markle launched her first fashion collection with Canadian clothing company Reitmans in 2015, inspired by her personal style.
2015: Meghan Markle Visits Malta
Meghan Markle traveled to Malta in 2015 after discovering her Maltese heritage, a trip documented by Elle UK.
2015: Advocate for UN Women
Meghan Markle worked with UN Women in 2015 as an advocate. That year, she gave a speech at the UN Women's conference regarding political participation and leadership.
May 2016: End of Relationship with Cory Vitiello
Meghan Markle's relationship with Canadian chef Cory Vitiello ended in May 2016.
November 2016: The Sun Publishes Misleading Headline About Meghan
In November 2016, The Sun ran a misleading headline about Meghan Markle, falsely implying her involvement with pornography. The incident involved illegally uploaded clips from the TV show "Suits."
November 2016: MailOnline Article Sparks Criticism
The MailOnline faced criticism in November 2016 for an article titled "(Almost) Straight Outta Compton" about Meghan Markle's family background, which was deemed racially insensitive and prompted a response from Prince Harry's Communications Secretary.
2016: Second Reitmans Fashion Collection and "Power Lunch"
In 2016, Meghan Markle released her second fashion collection with Reitmans and hosted a USA Network video series called "Power Lunch with Meghan Markle," focusing on culinary experiences in New York City.
2016: Private Investigator Illegally Obtains Meghan's Personal Information
In 2016, an American private investigator unlawfully obtained and shared Meghan Markle's personal details, including her Social Security number, phone number, and address, with The Sun newspaper. This incident occurred during the early stages of her relationship with Prince Harry and sparked controversy over the tabloid's practices.
2016: Political Engagement during the US Presidential Election
Meghan Markle actively participated in the 2016 US Presidential Election, publicly supporting Hillary Clinton and denouncing Donald Trump.
2016: Attendance at One Young World Opening Ceremony
Meghan Markle attended the One Young World opening ceremony in Ottawa in 2016.
2016: Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada
Meghan Markle became a global ambassador for World Vision Canada in 2016 and traveled to Rwanda for their Clean Water Campaign.
2016: Automatic Deletion System Implemented
Meghan Markle had an automatic deletion system installed on her devices in 2016 for security reasons, which became relevant in her legal case as she claimed it prevented her from retrieving certain communications.
February 2017: The Sun Issues Apology for Misleading Headline
In February 2017, The Sun issued a formal apology to Meghan Markle for the misleading headline published in November 2016.
April 2017: The Tig Closes
In April 2017, Meghan Markle closed her lifestyle blog, The Tig, which featured content on food, fashion, beauty, travel, and inspirational women.
September 2017: Public Appearance at the Invictus Games
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made their first official public appearance together in September 2017 at the Invictus Games in Toronto.
October 2017: Vanity Fair Cover
Meghan Markle was featured on the cover of Vanity Fair's October 2017 issue.
November 27, 2017: Engagement to Prince Harry Announced
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement was formally announced on November 27, 2017, marking a significant moment in their relationship and garnering international attention.
December 2017: Elle France Cover
Meghan Markle was featured on the cover of Elle France's December 2017 issue.
2017: Teaming Up with Elephants Without Borders
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry teamed up with the charity Elephants Without Borders in 2017 to help with their conservation efforts in Botswana.
2017: Closure of "The Tig" Blog
Meghan Markle closed her lifestyle blog, "The Tig," in 2017.
2017: Departure from "Suits"
Meghan Markle continued her role as Rachel Zane on "Suits" until late 2017, when she departed the show.
2017: Support for Noam Chomsky's Work
Meghan Markle showcased her political leanings in 2017 by recommending Noam Chomsky's book, "Who Rules the World?", on her Instagram account.
January 2018: Meghan Markle Deletes Social Media
In January 2018, Meghan Markle deleted her social media accounts and took down all articles from her former blog, The Tig.
January 2018: Meghan Markle's Involvement with Hubb Community Kitchen Begins
Meghan Markle's interest in the Hubb Community Kitchen, run by survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire, began in January 2018.
February 2018: Racist Threat Triggers Investigation
In February 2018, a letter containing white powder and a racist message was sent to St James's Palace, addressed to Meghan Markle. This incident prompted investigations by Scotland Yard, classifying it as a hate crime and potential terrorism.
February 2018: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Attend Royal Foundation Forum
Meghan Markle and her fiancé, Prince Harry, attended the inaugural Royal Foundation forum in February 2018.
March 6, 2018: Baptism and Confirmation into the Church of England
Meghan Markle was baptized and confirmed into the Church of England on March 6, 2018, in a private ceremony at St James's Palace.
May 2018: Lease of Westfield Large
In May 2018, it was reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had signed a two-year lease on Westfield Large, a property located on the Great Tew Estate in the Cotswolds.
July 2018: Controversy over Irish Abortion Referendum Tweet
In July 2018, an Irish Senator's tweet implied that Meghan Markle supported the outcome of the Irish abortion referendum, sparking criticism about potential breach of royal protocol on political neutrality. The tweet was later deleted.
July 2018: First Official Trip Abroad as a Royal
Meghan Markle's first official overseas trip as a member of the British Royal family was to Dublin, Ireland, alongside Prince Harry, in July 2018.
October 2018: Bullying Allegations Against Meghan Markle Surface
In October 2018, Jason Knauf, Meghan Markle's former communications secretary, reportedly filed a complaint concerning Meghan's conduct at Kensington Palace. The complaint alleged that Meghan's behavior led to the resignation of two personal assistants and negatively impacted the work environment for other staff members. These accusations prompted an internal investigation by Buckingham Palace.
October 2018: Invictus Games and Pacific Tour
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex embarked on a tour to Sydney for the 2018 Invictus Games, which was part of a larger Pacific tour that included Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand, in October 2018.
2018: Recognized for Style and Influence
In 2018, Meghan Markle was included on Tatler's list of Britain's best-dressed people and Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Her fashion choices continued to make waves, with a Karen Gee dress she wore causing the designer's website to crash.
2018: The "Meghan Markle Effect"
In 2018, after her engagement to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's fashion choices, such as carrying a Strathberry handbag, caused a surge in sales and website traffic for the brands she wore, a phenomenon that became known as the "Meghan Markle Effect."
2018: Friends Speak Out and Legal Battles Begin
In 2018, friends of Meghan Markle gave an interview to People magazine discussing a letter at the center of a legal battle between Meghan and ANL. This event marked the beginning of a series of legal actions involving Meghan and the tabloid press.
2018: First Royal Event with the Queen and Other Engagements
Meghan Markle attended her first royal event with Queen Elizabeth II at the Commonwealth Day service in March 2018. She participated in 26 public engagements before her wedding, with her first official engagement as a Duchess being a garden party celebrating King Charles III's charity work.
2018: Marriage to Prince Harry and Retirement from Acting
Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018 and officially retired from acting to focus on her role as the Duchess of Sussex.
2018: Completion of 179 Engagements
Meghan Markle participated in a total of 179 royal engagements throughout 2018 and 2019.
2018: Meghan Markle's Acting Career Ends
Meghan Markle's acting career ended in 2018 after seven seasons on the TV show Suits.
2018: Time 100 and Vogue's 25 Influential Women
Meghan Markle's influence was recognized by Time magazine, which included her on its list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World and its shortlist for Person of the Year. British Vogue also named her one of the 25 most influential women in the United Kingdom in 2018.
January 2019: Meghan Markle Becomes Patron of National Theatre and ACU
Meghan Markle assumed the role of patron for London's National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities in January 2019.
February 2019: Online Abuse Research by Hope not Hate
In February 2019, research by Hope not Hate showed that out of 5,200 abusive tweets directed at Meghan, 3,600 came from a small group of trolls.
March 2019: Online Abuse and New Social Media Rules
In March 2019, 89up reported the discovery of coordinated bot attacks on Twitter supporting Meghan. CNN also reported on abusive tweets directed at her. In response, the royal family introduced new social media rules for followers.
March 2019: Meghan Markle Becomes Vice President of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust
Meghan Markle was appointed vice president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust in March 2019.
May 6, 2019: Birth of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, gave birth to her first child, a son named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on May 6, 2019.
May 2019: Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and the Cambridges Launch "Shout" Text Service
As part of the Heads Together initiative, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, launched "Shout", a mental health text messaging service, in May 2019.
June 2019: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Announce Split from Royal Foundation
In June 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to establish their own foundation, separate from the Royal Foundation.
June 2019: Royal Family's Carbon Footprint Scrutinized
In June 2019, the royal family faced criticism for allegedly doubling their carbon footprint from business travel.
July 2019: Wimbledon Seating Controversy
Meghan Markle's security team was criticized for clearing a section of seats around her at Wimbledon in July 2019, which some saw as excessive.
August 2019: Criticism over Private Jet Use
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry faced backlash in August 2019 for their frequent use of private jets, which contradicted their environmental stance and drew comparisons to similar criticism directed at the royal family for their carbon footprint.
September 2019: Hiring of Sunshine Sachs PR Firm
In September 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hired the New York-based PR firm Sunshine Sachs.
September 2019: Meghan Markle Guest Edits British Vogue and Launches "The Smart Set" Collection
Meghan Markle guest-edited the September 2019 issue of British Vogue, highlighting "Forces for Change", and launched "The Smart Set" capsule collection, benefiting Smart Works charity.
October 2019: Meghan Markle Participates in "Every Mind Matters" Mental Health Campaign
In October 2019, Meghan Markle lent her voice to a Public Health England announcement for the "Every Mind Matters" mental health program.
October 2019: Meghan Markle Sues Associated Newspapers
Meghan Markle initiated legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), the publisher of The Mail on Sunday and MailOnline, in October 2019 over the publication of a private letter she had sent to her father.
December 2019: Incorporation of Frim Fram Inc.
In December 2019, Frim Fram Inc., the company that ran The Tig, was incorporated in Delaware.
2019: Time's Most Influential Online Figures and Powerlist Inclusion
In 2019, Time magazine recognized Meghan Markle and Prince Harry among the 25 Most Influential People on the Internet. Meghan was also included in the Powerlist, recognizing the 100 most influential Britons of African and Afro-Caribbean descent.
2019: Continued Fashion Influence and Teen Choice Award Nomination
Meghan Markle's fashion influence continued in 2019, with British brand Reiss reporting profit growth after she wore one of their dresses. She was also nominated for a Teen Choice Award in the category of Choice Style Icon.
January 2020: Announcement to Step Down as Senior Royals
Following a vacation to Canada, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the UK and announced their decision to step back as senior members of the royal family in January of 2020. In their announcement, the couple shared their intentions to split their time between North America and the UK.
January 2020: Stepping Down as Senior Royals
In January 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry announced their decision to step down as senior working members of the British royal family.
January 2020: Meghan and Harry Issue Legal Warning to the Press
In January 2020, following the publication of paparazzi photos, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a legal warning to the press in general regarding their privacy.
February 21, 2020: "Sussex Royal" Brand Name Dropped
It was confirmed on February 21, 2020, that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would not use "Sussex Royal" as their brand name after stepping back from official royal duties.
March 7, 2020: Final Public Engagement as Senior Royal
On March 7, 2020, Meghan Markle made her last public solo appearance as a senior royal with a visit to Robert Clack School in Dagenham in honor of International Women's Day.
March 9, 2020: Final Engagement Before Stepping Down
On March 9, 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their last appearance as a couple before stepping down from their royal duties. The event they attended was the Commonwealth Day service located at Westminster Abbey.
March 2020: Meghan and Harry Take Legal Action Against Splash UK
In March 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry took legal action against Splash UK for taking unauthorized photos of Meghan and their son during a private outing in Canada. The case resulted in a settlement later that year, with Splash UK agreeing to cease taking unauthorized photos of the family.
March 2020: Meghan Markle to Narrate "Elephant" Documentary
It was announced in March 2020 that Meghan Markle would narrate Disneynature's documentary "Elephant".
March 31, 2020: Closure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's office
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's office, based at Buckingham Palace, officially closed on March 31, 2020, marking their withdrawal from undertaking official royal engagements.
April 2020: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Announce New Foundation Name: Archewell
In April 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced "Archewell" as the name for their new foundation, replacing Sussex Royal.
May 2020: Court Dismisses Some Claims
In May 2020, the court dismissed certain allegations made by Meghan Markle in her lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited, deeming them either too vague or not directly relevant to the case.
June 2020: Purchase of Montecito Home
After spending time in Canada and the US, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex purchased a home in Montecito, California in June 2020.
June 2020: Signing with Harry Walker Agency
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle signed with the Harry Walker Agency in June 2020 in order to conduct paid public speaking engagements.
June 2020: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Back "Stop Hate for Profit" Campaign
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex backed the "Stop Hate for Profit" campaign in June 2020, encouraging CEOs to join the movement.
July 2020: Meghan Markle Speaks Out in Support of Black Lives Matter
Meghan Markle showed her support for the Black Lives Matter movement in July 2020.
August 5, 2020: Sussex Royal Foundation Renamed and Dissolved
The Sussex Royal Foundation was renamed "MWX Foundation" and dissolved on August 5, 2020.
August 2020: Meghan Markle Donates to Migrateful
In August 2020, Meghan Markle donated £8,000 to Migrateful, a UK charity supporting refugees and asylum seekers, using proceeds from the "Together: Our Community Cookbook".
September 2020: Signing With Netflix
In September 2020, the Sussexes signed a commercial deal with Netflix.
October 2020: Archewell Website Launch
The official website for Archewell, the foundation established by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, was launched in October 2020.
December 2020: Investment in Clevr Blends and Deal with Spotify
Meghan Markle invested in Clevr Blends, a coffee company based in Southern California, in December 2020. That same month, she and Prince Harry also signed a multi-year deal with Spotify to produce and host programs through their company, Archewell Audio.
2020: Meghan Challenges BBC Podcast Accuracy
In 2020, Meghan Markle raised concerns with the BBC over the accuracy of their podcast "Harry, Meghan and the Media." Specifically, she disputed a statement made by presenter Amol Rajan implying she had apologized for misleading the Court of Appeal in her case against the Mail on Sunday. The BBC later issued a clarification emphasizing that Meghan's apology pertained to not recalling specific email exchanges.
2020: Step Back from Royal Duties
In 2020, Meghan and Harry decided to step back from royal duties. They agreed not to use the style of Royal Highness in practice, although legally, they are still referred to as His/Her Royal Highness.
2020: Continued Powerlist Recognition
Meghan Markle's influence within the Black British community was acknowledged again in 2020 when she was featured in the Powerlist for the second consecutive year.
February 2021: Meghan Markle Steps Down from Royal Patronages
Meghan Markle stepped down from her roles as patron of the National Theatre, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, and vice president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust in February 2021.
February 2021: High Court Rules in Favor of Meghan Markle
The High Court of Justice ruled in February 2021 that the Mail on Sunday, owned by ANL, had violated Meghan Markle's privacy by publishing her private letter.
March 7, 2021: Interview with Oprah
On March 7, 2021, the television special Oprah with Meghan and Harry was broadcast on CBS. Meghan discussed her personal and royal life, revealing she had contemplated suicide due to public pressure and lack of protection from the royal institution. The interview received a wide and polarized reaction.
March 2021: "Oprah with Meghan and Harry" Interview
In March 2021, Meghan and Prince Harry participated in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey, discussing their experiences as members of the royal family.
March 2021: Meghan Files Complaint Against Piers Morgan
In March 2021, following her interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle lodged a formal complaint with ITV's CEO regarding comments made by Piers Morgan concerning mental health. This incident led to a record number of complaints to Ofcom, a UK media regulator.
March 2021: Meghan Markle Donates to Himmah
Meghan Markle donated £10,000 from the proceeds of "Together: Our Community Cookbook" to Himmah in March 2021 to support their food bank and the Salaam Shalom Kitchen.
March 2021: Charity Commission Reviews Sussex Royal Organization
The Charity Commission for England and Wales initiated a review into the Sussex Royal organization in March 2021, focusing on its conduct during dissolution.
April 2021: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Named Campaign Chairs for "Vax Live" Concert
In April 2021, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were announced as campaign chairs for Global Citizen's "Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World".
May 2021: Meghan Markle Wins Privacy and Copyright Case
Meghan Markle achieved a significant legal victory in May 2021 when the court ruled in her favor in her lawsuit against Associated Newspapers Limited for misuse of private information and copyright infringement related to the publication of her letter.
June 4, 2021: Birth of Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
The Duchess of Sussex gave birth to her second child, a daughter named Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, on June 4, 2021.
June 2021: Publication of "The Bench"
Meghan Markle's children's book, "The Bench," was published by Random House Children's Books in June 2021. The book is said to be based on Markle's perspective on the relationship between her husband and son.
July 2021: Meghan Files Legal Complaints Against The Times
In July 2021, Meghan Markle filed legal complaints against The Times newspaper concerning two separate articles. One article involved an unverified claim about Meghan's departure from an engagement in Fiji, while the other concerned allegations about Prince Harry and Meghan's relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
July 2021: Announcement of "Pearl" Netflix Series
It was announced in July 2021 that Meghan Markle would be the executive producer, alongside David Furnish, for the Netflix animated series "Pearl." Although the series was canceled in May 2022, it was originally pitched to Netflix in 2018.
July 2021: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Receive Change Champions Award
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were among the recipients of the Change Champions Award from Population Matters in July 2021 for their advocacy of a smaller, sustainable population.
August 2021: Meghan Markle Launches "40x40" Campaign
Meghan Markle celebrated her 40th birthday in August 2021 by launching the "40x40" campaign, encouraging people to dedicate 40 minutes to mentoring women reentering the workforce.
October 2021: Bot Sentinel Report
In October 2021, Bot Sentinel analyzed 114,000 tweets about Meghan and Harry, identifying 83 accounts responsible for 70% of negative content. Twitter found no widespread coordination but took action against policy violators.
October 2021: Advocacy for Paid Family Leave
In October 2021, Meghan Markle wrote an open letter to US Congress leaders, advocating for paid family leave, which attracted criticism from some Republican representatives who questioned her involvement in US politics.
October 2021: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Pen Open Letter for Global Vaccine Distribution
In October 2021, ahead of the G20 Rome summit, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, alongside WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom, penned an open letter urging G20 leaders to accelerate global COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
October 2021: Partnership with Ethic
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle publicly announced their partnership with Ethic, a sustainable investment firm, in October 2021.
November 2021: ANL Appeals Ruling and Jason Knauf's Statement
Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) appealed the court's ruling in Meghan Markle's favor in November 2021. During the appeal, Jason Knauf, Meghan and Harry's former communications secretary, revealed that Meghan had provided him with information to share with the authors of "Finding Freedom," a book about the couple.
December 2021: Meghan Wins Legal Appeal and Seeks Tabloid Reform
In December 2021, Meghan Markle won a legal appeal against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL). She subsequently called for reforms within the tabloid industry. ANL also issued a public apology acknowledging Meghan's victory and agreed to pay financial remedies, including legal fees, damages for privacy invasion, and a sum for copyright infringement.
2021: Meghan's Representatives Deny Bullying Allegations
In 2021, shortly before Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey, allegations of bullying against Meghan resurfaced in the media. Meghan's representatives vehemently denied these claims, characterizing them as part of a smear campaign orchestrated by Buckingham Palace. The allegations and subsequent denials ignited a media frenzy and intensified scrutiny of the relationship between Meghan and the royal family.
2021: Continued Recognition from Time and British Vogue
Meghan Markle continued to be recognized for her influence in 2021. Time magazine featured her and Prince Harry on one of its seven worldwide covers, and British Vogue again included her on its list of the 25 most influential women in the United Kingdom.
2021: Dress of the Year
The Fashion Museum, Bath, chose the black Armani dress worn by Meghan Markle during her Oprah interview as Dress of the Year 2021.
January 2022: Meghan and Harry File Complaint Against The Times
In January 2022, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry jointly filed a legal complaint against The Times regarding an article reporting on the financial activities of their foundation, Archewell.
January 2022: Fake Ads and Investment Schemes
In January 2022, the BBC reported that Meghan and Harry's photos and videos were used in fake instant profit ads and bitcoin investment schemes.
February 2022: Support for Ketanji Brown Jackson's Supreme Court Nomination
In February 2022, Meghan Markle voiced her support for Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States.
February 2022: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Receive NAACP President's Award
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex received the NAACP President's Award in February 2022, recognizing their work in social justice and equity.
March 2022: Samantha Markle Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Meghan
In March 2022, Samantha Markle, Meghan's half-sister, filed a defamation lawsuit in Florida against Meghan. Samantha alleged that Meghan made false statements about her during the Oprah interview and through communications related to the book "Finding Freedom." The lawsuit sought damages exceeding $75,000.
May 2022: Cancellation of "Pearl" and Book Deal with Random House
Meghan Markle's Netflix animated series "Pearl" was canceled in May 2022. It was also reported that month that she and Prince Harry had signed a four-book publishing deal with Random House.
June 2022: First UK Appearance Since Stepping Down
In June 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their first public appearance in the UK since stepping down from royal duties two years prior. They attended the Platinum Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving.
June 2022: HR Policy Changes in Buckingham Palace
In June 2022, The Times reported that an inquiry into bullying allegations against Meghan led Buckingham Palace to modify some HR policies. The report was not published to protect the privacy of those involved.
June 2022: Meghan's Motion to Dismiss Defamation Case Rejected
In June 2022, a judge rejected Meghan Markle's initial attempt to dismiss the defamation lawsuit filed by her half-sister, Samantha Markle. Samantha had modified her complaint, leading to the judge's decision to allow the case to proceed. Meghan's legal team subsequently filed a second motion for dismissal and requested a delay in the discovery phase of the lawsuit pending the outcome.
June 2022: Advocacy for Gun Safety and the Equal Rights Amendment
Meghan Markle expressed her support for Moms Demand Action, a group advocating for stricter gun control laws in the US, in June 2022. The same month, she criticized the Supreme Court's decision on abortion rights and voiced support for the Equal Rights Amendment.
August 2022: Premiere of "Archetypes" Podcast
Meghan Markle's podcast "Archetypes" premiered in August 2022.
September 8, 2022: Death of Queen Elizabeth II
On September 8, 2022, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in London for a charity event, Queen Elizabeth II passed away.
October 2022: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Named Ripple of Hope Award Laureates
In October 2022, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were named Ripple of Hope Award laureates for their advocacy work through their Archewell foundation.
December 8, 2022: Premiere of "Harry & Meghan" Docuseries
The docuseries about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, "Harry & Meghan," premiered on December 8, 2022. It was produced by Netflix and the couple's company, Archewell Productions.
December 2022: YouGov's Least Liked Royals
In December 2022, a YouGov poll revealed that Meghan Markle was the second most disliked member of the British royal family, following Prince Andrew.
December 2022: Release of "Harry & Meghan" Docuseries
The Netflix docuseries "Harry & Meghan," featuring the couple's perspectives on their relationship and experiences, was released in December 2022.
December 20, 2022: Jeremy Clarkson's Column Sparks Outrage
On December 20, 2022, Jeremy Clarkson published a column in The Sun that sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. The column targeted Meghan Markle with hateful and misogynistic language.
2022: Fashion Museum Recognition and "The Cut" Cover
In 2022, the Armani dress Meghan Markle wore for her Oprah interview was named Dress of the Year 2021 by the Fashion Museum in Bath. She was also featured on the cover of The Cut's Fall Fashion issue.
2022: Meghan Markle Ends Role as Mayhew Patron
Meghan Markle concluded her role as private patron of Mayhew in 2022.
January 2023: Thousands of Complaints Filed Against Jeremy Clarkson's Column
More than 25,000 complaints were lodged with the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) concerning Jeremy Clarkson's inflammatory column about Meghan Markle in The Sun.
February 2023: IPSO Launches Investigation into Jeremy Clarkson's Column
In February 2023, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) initiated a formal investigation into Jeremy Clarkson's controversial column about Meghan Markle, which was published in The Sun.
March 2023: Florida Judge Dismisses Samantha Markle's Defamation Case
In March 2023, a Florida judge dismissed the defamation lawsuit brought by Samantha Markle against Meghan Markle. However, this was not the end of their legal battle.
March 2023: The Independent's Influence List
Meghan Markle was included on The Independent's "Influence List 2023" in March 2023.
April 2023: Samantha Markle Reflies Defamation Lawsuit
In April 2023, Samantha Markle renewed her legal battle with Meghan by refiling the defamation lawsuit, incorporating amended complaints. The revised lawsuit now included allegations related to statements Meghan made in her Netflix docuseries.
April 2023: Signing with WME Talent Agency
Meghan Markle signed with the talent agency WME in April 2023. The agency represents Archewell.
April 2023: Meghan Markle Receives Ms. Foundation for Women's Women of Vision Award
Meghan Markle was honored with the Ms. Foundation for Women's Women of Vision Award in April 2023.
June 2023: Cancellation of "Archetypes" Podcast
After one season consisting of 12 episodes, Spotify canceled Meghan Markle's podcast "Archetypes" in June 2023.
June 2023: IPSO Concludes Investigation into Jeremy Clarkson's Column
In June 2023, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) concluded its investigation into the controversial column written by Jeremy Clarkson about Meghan Markle, published in The Sun. The investigation determined that the column exhibited sexism and included a derogatory reference to Meghan's gender. However, the IPSO did not uphold complaints alleging that the article contained factual inaccuracies, intended to harass Meghan, or included discriminatory language based on race.
March 2024: Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed with Prejudice
In March 2024, the defamation lawsuit filed by Samantha Markle against Meghan Markle was decisively dismissed with prejudice. The judge's ruling stated that Samantha was unable to provide sufficient evidence to support her claims of defamation. This outcome marked a significant victory for Meghan in the prolonged legal battle with her half-sister. Despite the dismissal, Samantha Markle decided to appeal the decision, indicating her determination to continue the legal fight.
March 2024: Launch of American Riviera Orchard
Meghan Markle launched the lifestyle and cooking brand American Riviera Orchard in March 2024.
April 2024: Announcement of Two New Shows with Netflix
In April 2024, Archewell Productions announced its partnership with Netflix to produce two shows for the streaming platform. The shows would focus on polo and lifestyle.
May 2024: Chieftaincy Titles in Nigeria
During Meghan's trip to Nigeria in May 2024, she was honored with the chieftaincy titles Ada Mazi and Adetokunbo by Igwe Alfred Achebe and Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, respectively.
May 2024: Potential of a "Hybrid Working Model"
Following Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's trip to Nigeria in May 2024, discussions arose about their potential within the royal family if a "hybrid working model" had been established, recognizing their global appeal and effectiveness in public engagements.
May 2024: Visit to Nigeria for Invictus Games and Women's Empowerment
To honor the work of the Invictus Games, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle traveled to Nigeria in May 2024. During their visit, Meghan Markle also co-hosted a women's empowerment summit with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the head of the World Trade Organization.
