Meghan Markle’s net worth before marriage revealed—see how she achieved success as an actress and what it means for her legacy today.
Meghan Markle’s journey to success is one that feels both relatable and inspiring. Before stepping into royal life, she carved out her own path, building a career as an actress and entrepreneur. Known for her role as Rachel Zane on *Suits*, Meghan earned around $50,000 per episode, which added up to about $450,000 annually.
Beyond acting, she ran a lifestyle blog called *The Tig*, where she shared her thoughts on food, travel, and fashion. Her net worth before marrying Prince Harry was estimated at $5 million. Curious about how she balanced Hollywood and personal projects? Keep reading to learn more!
Key Takeaway
- Meghan Markle had an estimated net worth of about $5 million before her marriage.
- She earned money mainly from her acting career and her lifestyle blog, The Tig.
- Her financial success laid a strong foundation before she entered royal life.
Her Early Life and Acting Career
Meghan Markle was born in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in a creative home. Her dad, Thomas Markle, worked as a lighting director, and her mom, Doria Ragland, taught yoga. That mix of art and calmness might’ve helped Meghan dream big about acting.
She went to Northwestern University and graduated in 2003. After that, she moved back to Los Angeles to chase her acting dreams. At first, she got small parts in TV shows and movies. But everything changed when she landed the role of Rachel Zane on Suits.
On Suits, Meghan earned about $50,000 per episode in the later seasons. That’s a lot of money! Over seven seasons, she acted in more than 100 episodes, which means she made around $2 million just from that show.
Acting isn’t easy, though. Meghan had to go to tons of auditions and hear “no” more times than she probably wanted. But she didn’t quit. She kept going, stayed focused, and believed in herself.
Other Acting Roles
Before Suits, Meghan had smaller parts in movies and TV shows. She acted in films like Horrible Bosses and Remember Me. Together, those roles earned her about $360,000. [1]
Even though these movies weren’t as big as Suits, they helped her grow as an actress. She worked hard for every role.
Here’s a quick list of some of her early work:
- Horrible Bosses (2011)
- Remember Me (2010)
- The Candidate (2010)
- Guest roles on TV shows
These jobs didn’t make her super famous, but they helped her learn and get better. Every step counted.
The Tig: Her Lifestyle Blog
In 2014, Meghan started a lifestyle blog called The Tig. It was about things she loved—like food, travel, and wellness. People really liked it, and the blog made about $80,000 a year from ads and sponsors.
Meghan’s writing felt personal. She shared her thoughts and tips, which made readers feel like they knew her. But in 2017, when her relationship with Prince Harry got serious, she decided to close the blog. She probably knew her life was about to change in a big way.
Running a blog isn’t easy. Meghan balanced acting and blogging, which shows how hardworking she was. She used her creativity to build something that felt like her.
The Impact of Her Wealth
Before Meghan married Prince Harry, her net worth was about $5 million. That’s pretty impressive! Most of it came from her acting career and her blog.
Even before becoming a royal, Meghan was independent. She wasn’t just an actress—she was a businesswoman too. That independence made her stand out.
Here’s how her net worth added up:
- $2 million from Suits
- $360,000 from movies
- $80,000 a year from The Tig
Her story shows that success takes effort. Meghan worked hard for what she had, and it paid off.
A Look at Her Family Life
Meghan’s family played a big part in her life. Her parents supported her dreams. Even when things weren’t perfect, she stayed focused and kept working toward her goals.
Her mom, Doria Ragland, taught her about mental health and taking care of herself. Meghan still talks about those lessons today, especially when she does charity work.
Growing up in a diverse family probably helped Meghan see the world in different ways.
Here’s a bit about her family:
- Dad: Thomas Markle, lighting director
- Mom: Doria Ragland, yoga instructor
- Lessons: Hard work, mental health, and staying strong
Family can make a big difference. Meghan’s family helped shape who she is.
Comparison with Prince Harry
Before they got married, Meghan’s net worth was much smaller than Prince Harry’s. He had about $25 million, mostly from his inheritance and military work. Together, their net worth was around $30 million when they tied the knot. [2]
It’s interesting to think about their different backgrounds. Meghan brought her independence, while Harry grew up with royal traditions.
What’s cool is that Meghan had already built her own success. She didn’t rely on anyone else to get there. That probably gave her confidence when she joined the royal family.
Current Status of Meghan’s Net Worth
Now, Meghan and Prince Harry’s combined net worth is about $60 million. After stepping back from royal duties, they started new projects, like deals with Netflix and Spotify. [3]
Here are some of the things they’re working on now:
- A Netflix deal for shows and documentaries
- A Spotify podcast series
- Charity work
Meghan’s ability to adapt is impressive. She’s always finding new ways to grow and make a difference.
FAQ
What was Meghan Markle’s early life and family life like with father Thomas Markle Sr?
Growing up in Century City with her father Thomas Markle Sr, Meghan had a typical middle-class upbringing. She attended an all-girls high school in Los Angeles, where she first got involved in theater. Unlike some celebrities, she didn’t have a trust fund set up by her parents and worked various jobs to support herself during her early acting career.
How did Meghan make money from her role in legal drama shows on USA Network?
Meghan’s biggest paycheck came from her role in the legal drama Suits on USA Network, where she reportedly earned $50,000 per episode. Before landing this role, she appeared in several short films and tv series, though these early projects brought in much more modest earnings.
What kind of lifestyle changes happened after Meghan met Prince Harry and joined the British Royal family?
After joining the British royal family through the royal wedding, Meghan’s lifestyle changed dramatically. She went from flying commercial to using private jets for official royal tours. The royal couple received public funding through the Sovereign Grant and participated in working royals duties at Windsor Castle before stepping back as senior royals.
How did the Netflix deal and Spotify deal affect Harry and Meghan’s finances in North America?
After relocating to North America, specifically Santa Barbara in the United States, the Sussex royal couple secured significant media deals. Their Netflix deal and Spotify deal were reportedly worth millions, vastly increasing their earning potential. They also partnered with Random House for various projects including a picture book.
What media coverage has Meghan received from outlets like Fox News and Daily Express?
Media coverage of Meghan varies widely between United Kingdom and United States outlets. While Fox News and Daily Express often focus on controversies, publications like York Times tend to take a more balanced approach. Her interview with Oprah Winfrey generated significant attention on social media and traditional news outlets.
How does Meghan’s pre-royal box office performance compare to other Hollywood stars like Taylor Swift in the media industry?
Unlike entertainment powerhouses like Taylor Swift, Meghan’s box office impact was relatively modest before her royal life. While she appeared in several projects that made it to theaters, her roles were usually supporting parts that didn’t generate significant revenues compared to A-list celebrities.
What’s happened since Meghan and Prince Harry left their duties as senior royals in the United Kingdom?
After stepping back from royal duties, the couple moved away from working with the royal highness titles and official royal engagements. They shifted focus to projects like the Invictus Games and humanitarian work in South Africa. This move changed their relationship with other members of the family, including Prince William and Kate Middleton.
How does Meghan’s royal connection compare to other figures like Sarah Ferguson and the late mother Princess Diana?
Like Princess Diana and Sarah Ferguson before her, Meghan’s entry into the British royal family attracted intense scrutiny. The queen mother and other senior royals traditionally welcomed new members, but Meghan’s experience was unique given her American background and career in entertainment.
What happened with the Mail on Sunday legal battle and other public disputes?
Meghan won her privacy case against the Mail on Sunday, showing she wasn’t afraid to take legal action to protect her interests. The case highlighted tensions between the press and royal couple, similar to past conflicts involving the British army and public figures.
What’s the latest news about Prince Harry’s and Meghan’s life with Prince Archie?
The family settled in North America, specifically establishing their home base in the United States. On Christmas Day and other occasions, they’ve shared glimpses of their family life, though they maintain more privacy than during their time as working royals. Their activities often include charitable work and advocacy, occasionally crossing paths with public figures like Jimmy Carter and Donald Trump.
Conclusion
Before marrying Prince Harry, Meghan Markle’s net worth was around $5 million. She earned this through acting (like her role in *Suits*) and entrepreneurial ventures. Her shift from Hollywood to royalty feels like a mix of ambition, talent, and timing. It’s a reminder that careers aren’t built overnight—they take persistence and effort. Meghan’s story shows how different paths can lead to success, whether it’s on screen or in a castle.
References
- https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64024342/
- https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/celebrity-net-worth/2024/08/01/66abc5e622601d3c688b45d1.html
- https://www.gbnews.com/royal/meghan-markle-salary-suits-netflix-royal-family-news
