The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly preparing for a sensational return to acting, seven years after stepping away from the screen following her relationship with Prince Harry.
From Royal Duties Back to the Camera
Before becoming a senior royal, Meghan Markle built a successful acting career, most notably portraying paralegal Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits from 2011 to 2018. Her character became a fan favourite during the show's seven-season run.
After beginning her relationship with Prince Harry in 2016, Meghan made the decision to leave acting behind to focus on royal life. This changed dramatically in 2020 when the couple stepped down as senior working royals and relocated to California.
Insider Revelations About On-Set Behaviour
Tim Matheson, who directed the first series of Suits, has recently shared insights into what the Duchess was like behind the cameras during her time on the show.
Matheson told Fox News: "I never had to worry about a scene she was going to be in. I knew that she'd bring a performance that was just right." Regarding her decision to leave acting after meeting Harry, he described it as "a bold move on her part."
The Comeback Project Details
According to sources, Meghan will join the cast of Close Personal Friends, an Amazon MGM Studios production featuring prominent actors including Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Brian Tyree Henry and Jack Quaid.
An insider revealed to The Sun: "This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves. She has been swamped with offers, but this one felt right."
The source added that this project represents "Meghan's way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set." Everyone involved with the production has been required to maintain strict confidentiality about the details.
Reports indicate that Meghan will appear as herself in the production, which centres around two couples - one famous and the other not.
Royal Support and Personal Reflections
The Duke of Sussex is said to be fully supportive of his wife's decision to return to acting. Sources claim Harry has been encouraging Meghan to pursue "whatever brings her joy."
Earlier this year, Meghan confessed that she sometimes missed her days working in front of the camera. However, in an October 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, she appeared to rule out a return to acting, stating: "No, I'm done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not."
Prince Harry previously revealed in his memoir Spare that one particular scene from Meghan's acting career had made a lasting impression on him, writing: "I'd witnessed her and a cast mate mauling each other in some sort of office conference room. It would take electric shock therapy to get those images out of my head."
Meghan has also spoken openly about the challenges she faced early in her acting career, attending numerous auditions and facing repeated rejection from directors, which she said damaged her confidence.
This potential return to acting marks a significant moment for the Duchess as she navigates her professional life post-royalty while maintaining her charitable work and other business ventures through Archewell Productions.
