Before her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle was a successful actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Though many are familiar with her story as the Duchess of Sussex, her life before the royal wedding also garnered attention. How much wealth did Meghan Markle accumulate before her marriage? Let’s take a look at her career, businesses, and other sources of income that contributed to her net worth before becoming part of the British royal family.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Meghan Markle’s early years were far from the glamour of the royal spotlight. Born in 1981 in Los Angeles, California, Meghan grew up with a diverse background. She attended Northwestern University, where she graduated with a degree in theater and international studies. After college, she quickly entered the acting industry, landing small roles in TV shows and films.
Her breakout role came in 2011 when she was cast as Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits. The show became a huge success, running for nine seasons, and Meghan’s role as a paralegal turned lawyer brought her widespread recognition. By the time she married Prince Harry in 2018, she had already built a career and an impressive portfolio of acting credits.
Sources of Meghan Markle’s Wealth Before Marriage
Meghan’s net worth before her marriage to Prince Harry was built through various sources. While acting was the primary source of her wealth, she had other profitable ventures as well. Let’s break down the main sources:
1. Acting Career
Meghan Markle’s role on Suits was the foundation of her financial success. Over the course of her nine-year run, she earned an estimated $50,000 to $60,000 per episode, making her salary well over a million dollars annually during the later seasons of the show. Though Suits wasn’t a massive blockbuster hit like some other series, it had a dedicated fan base, and Meghan’s role was essential to its success.
2. Endorsements and Brand Partnerships
Even before joining the royal family, Meghan was sought after for brand partnerships and endorsements. She worked with various fashion and beauty brands, including being a brand ambassador for the Canadian clothing brand Reitmans. Her high-profile status as an actress and public figure made her a valuable asset for brands looking to tap into a larger audience.
Meghan’s influence on social media platforms, especially Instagram, also made her a sought-after figure for advertising and promotions. Although she did not have the massive social media following she later gained after becoming a Duchess, Meghan was still a well-known personality with a strong influence, which contributed to her wealth.
3. The Tig Blog and Lifestyle Brand
In addition to acting, Meghan Markle created her own lifestyle blog, The Tig, where she shared content on food, travel, fashion, and wellness. While it didn’t turn into a major business, it was an important personal brand-building project. The blog attracted a solid following, which provided opportunities for sponsored content and affiliate marketing. Meghan later shut down The Tig in 2017, shortly before her engagement to Prince Harry, but it remains a part of her business history.
4. Philanthropy and Speaking Engagements
Although Meghan’s philanthropic activities were not directly related to financial gains, her involvement in charitable organizations helped build her public persona. She worked with the United Nations Women’s political participation and leadership initiative and served as an advocate for gender equality. Additionally, she participated in speaking engagements that further solidified her image as a well-rounded individual. While these activities did not generate direct income, they helped her establish a platform that would later be beneficial in various business ventures after her marriage.
5. Real Estate Investments
Before her marriage, Meghan Markle was also a savvy real estate investor. In 2016, she bought a home in the leafy neighborhood of Los Angeles, where she lived before moving to the UK. The home, valued at over $1 million, was a significant investment that added to her overall net worth. The property was an upscale but modest investment compared to her later real estate purchases with Prince Harry.
Meghan Markle’s Estimated Net Worth Before Marriage
As of 2018, before Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry, estimates put her net worth at around $5 million to $7 million. This figure was based on her acting career, brand partnerships, and other business activities. However, it’s important to note that, while she had financial independence and wealth, her status as a member of the British royal family drastically changed the public’s perception of her wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
How Much Did Meghan Markle Earn on Suits?
Meghan Markle earned approximately $50,000 to $60,000 per episode on Suits during the later seasons. Given the nine-season run of the show, this contributed significantly to her wealth.
Did Meghan Markle Have Other Business Ventures Before Marriage?
Yes, Meghan Markle was involved in several business ventures before her marriage to Prince Harry. She had a lifestyle blog called The Tig, and she also worked with various brands for endorsements and sponsorships.
How Much Was Meghan Markle’s Real Estate Worth Before Marriage?
Meghan Markle owned a home in Los Angeles worth over $1 million before she married Prince Harry. This was one of her notable real estate investments.
Was Meghan Markle Financially Independent Before Her Marriage?
Yes, Meghan Markle was financially independent before her marriage to Prince Harry. She accumulated wealth through acting, business ventures, and brand partnerships.
How Did Meghan Markle Contribute to Charities Before Marriage?
Meghan Markle was actively involved in various charities, particularly those focused on women’s rights and gender equality. Though these activities didn’t generate direct income, they helped her build her public image and influence.
Wrapping Up: Meghan Markle’s Wealth Before the Royal Wedding
Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle had already established herself as a successful actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Her career in acting, especially her role on Suits, combined with endorsements, brand partnerships, and investments, contributed to her estimated net worth of $5 million to $7 million.
Her financial success was based on a blend of hard work, business acumen, and a keen eye for opportunities. Even before becoming a royal, Meghan demonstrated that she was far from the stereotypical princess waiting to be saved. She built her own wealth, proving that independence was a core value in her life.
So, while Meghan Markle’s net worth was certainly impressive before her marriage, her journey didn’t end with her royal wedding. She continued to build her brand and influence in the years that followed, becoming one of the most recognized and influential figures worldwide.
