Meghan Markle has become one of the most scrutinized and talked-about figures in recent royal history. Since marrying Prince Harry, she’s been in the spotlight not only in the United Kingdom but around the world. From her fashion choices to her political views and the rift within the royal family, everything she does seems to spark debate. But before she became the Duchess of Sussex and a global name, Meghan was simply Meghan—a young woman pursuing an acting career, building her life in Los Angeles, and living far away from the grandeur and complexities of royal life.
Recently, old photos and footage of Meghan Markle surfaced online—images captured long before she met Prince Harry. These rare glimpses into her pre-duchess life reignited discussions and prompted a wave of commentary on social media. Many people seemed genuinely surprised at her appearance in these older photos, perhaps forgetting that Meghan, like everyone else, had a life before royalty, one that was filled with the normal trials, dreams, and ambitions that define most of us.
These images portray Meghan as a seemingly ordinary young woman, dressed simply, without the glamor and polished poise that often defines her look today. Her hair was natural, her makeup minimal, and her clothing casual—just another woman in her twenties navigating her way through auditions, work, and everyday life. For those accustomed to seeing her in high-end designer outfits and styled for the camera, these older snapshots may feel like a dramatic contrast. But for others, it’s a reminder that even duchesses begin somewhere.
Despite Meghan’s natural charm and intelligence, the comments online took a harsher tone. “An ordinary girl,” one user wrote. “Unremarkable,” said another. Others went even further: “I don’t understand what Harry saw in this simpleton,” or “She didn’t even stand next to Kate,” referring to the Duchess of Cambridge, now Princess of Wales. “Middleton seemed born to be a duchess,” someone commented. “And Markle is so unpretentious. I would never even notice her if I passed her on the street.” Another called her a “non-descript person.” These remarks sparked a fierce conversation, not only about Meghan herself but also about society’s tendency to measure women against impossible standards.
The comments revealed more than just opinions about Meghan—they exposed the ways in which people are quick to judge, often harshly, especially women in the public eye. Much of the criticism seemed focused on her looks, which is ironic considering how much Meghan has been celebrated for her beauty in the past. But these old images presented a Meghan that was not styled by royal advisers or photographed by top-tier professionals. She was simply herself—natural, expressive, and real.
What many critics may be missing is the very essence of Meghan’s appeal. Prince Harry didn’t fall in love with a title or a public persona. He fell in love with the woman behind it. In interviews, Harry has spoken openly about how he was drawn to Meghan’s warmth, intelligence, and kindness. He admired her independent spirit, her commitment to humanitarian work, and her desire to make a difference in the world. Meghan wasn’t trying to fit into anyone’s mold. She was confident in who she was, and that confidence is often more attractive than any designer dress or professional makeup job.
Still, it’s not surprising that Meghan’s looks are being picked apart—after all, public figures, especially women, are constantly subjected to superficial scrutiny. From Hollywood stars to political leaders, the pressure to look a certain way never seems to let up. In Meghan’s case, the pressure is amplified by her role in the royal family and the expectations that come with it. Being compared to Catherine, Princess of Wales, has become a routine element of public discussion, with people often favoring one over the other as if the two women are locked in some sort of competition.
But the truth is, Meghan Markle’s transformation didn’t happen overnight. Her evolution from actress to duchess was years in the making, shaped by experience, opportunity, and personal growth. Like all of us, she has changed with time. The woman seen in those early photos was someone learning who she was, trying to carve a path in an industry known for its rejection and brutal competition. She worked hard, often under pressure, and never gave up on her goals.
Before she became globally recognized, Meghan had a steady career in television, best known for her role as Rachel Zane on the legal drama “Suits.” Her character was confident, driven, and intelligent—qualities that mirrored Meghan’s own personality. She also worked as a freelance calligrapher, ran a lifestyle blog called “The Tig,” and volunteered with multiple humanitarian causes. Behind the scenes, she was already shaping the values and public voice that would later resonate on a much larger stage.
When Harry and Meghan’s relationship became public, the narrative quickly shifted. She was no longer just an actress—she was a symbol, a statement, and eventually, a target. Tabloids dug into her past, searching for anything to criticize. Even now, years into their marriage and post-royal life in the United States, Meghan remains a polarizing figure. Some see her as a breath of fresh air, while others view her as a disruptor to royal tradition.
But none of this erases the woman that Harry met and fell in love with. In fact, it makes her story even more compelling. Meghan didn’t come from aristocracy. She wasn’t raised to be a duchess. Her background is relatable to millions of women—biracial, middle-class, self-made, and ambitious. She understood struggle, experienced rejection, and still believed in the power of using her voice to bring about change.
That kind of authenticity is rare in royal circles. Meghan’s presence in the royal family challenged centuries of tradition, and that was both revolutionary and threatening to some. She spoke openly about mental health, racism, and the need for compassion in leadership. She brought issues to light that had long been buried under protocol and silence. And for that, she was both praised and criticized in equal measure.
Looking at those older photos now, one might ask: What exactly did Harry see in her? The answer lies beyond appearances. He saw someone genuine. Someone who cared. Someone who wasn’t afraid to speak up or stand out. He saw a partner—not just for the red carpet, but for life. Their relationship has weathered public scrutiny, family tension, and intense media coverage, and yet they remain united, focused on building a life that reflects their shared values.
It’s easy to dismiss someone based on old photographs, especially when filtered through the lens of comparison and critique. But Meghan’s story is a reminder that every journey has a beginning, and those beginnings aren’t always glamorous. The woman we see today is the product of years of learning, resilience, and determination. Her success is not just in marrying a prince, but in staying true to herself despite the noise around her.
The public fascination with Meghan Markle isn’t just about her marriage into royalty—it’s about what she represents. She’s a woman of color who entered one of the most traditional institutions in the world and didn’t lose her voice. She’s someone who walked away from titles and privilege to protect her mental well-being and her family. And while critics may point to old photos and ask why Harry chose her, others see the strength it takes to be unapologetically yourself in a world that’s constantly trying to define you.
The backlash says more about us than it does about her. Why do we find it so hard to accept that someone can grow, evolve, and shine without conforming to the ideals we’ve been taught to idolize? Why does ordinary equate to unworthy in our collective minds? The truth is, most of us would look “ordinary” in our old photos. Most of us grow into the people we’re meant to be—not because we’re born perfect, but because we work toward becoming better.
Meghan’s past isn’t something to mock. It’s something to admire. It’s a record of her resilience, her effort, and her authenticity. It tells the story of a woman who didn’t wait to be chosen, but who chose herself—over and over again. And in doing so, she captured the heart of a prince and inspired millions.
So the next time someone asks, “What did Harry see in her?” maybe the better question is: Why do we keep asking? Meghan’s worth was never up for debate. She doesn’t need validation from strangers, and neither does anyone else who has ever felt unseen, underestimated, or misunderstood. Her story, like many, is not about proving herself to the world—it’s about being true to who she is.
