Meghan Markle Is Frequently Likened To Grace Kelly

Princess Grace and Prince Rainier in 1959; Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in 2019. Victor Blackman/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images; Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Grace Kelly was born on November 12, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As noted by Biography, her father was a three-time Olympic gold medalist in rowing, and her mother was a pioneering coach for women’s sports teams at the University of Pennsylvania.

Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Doria Ragland, worked as a clinical therapist and yoga instructor, while her father, Thomas Markle, was a light and photography director in the television industry.

Both Meghan Markle and Grace Kelly achieved fame as actresses before transitioning into royal life.

Grace Kelly at the Oscars with Marlon Brando; Meghan Markle acting in “Suits” Grace Kelly with her Oscar after winning Best Actress for “The Country Girl” at the 1954 Academy Awards; Meghan Markle in “Suits.” Bettmann/Getty Images; Christos Kalohoridis/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Before becoming a global icon as a royal, Grace Kelly enjoyed a distinguished acting career. She debuted in “Fourteen Hours” at age 22 and gained significant recognition with “High Noon” in 1952. Her role in “Mogambo” opposite Clark Gable and Ava Gardner earned her an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe. She ultimately won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1954 for “The Country Girl,” surpassing Judy Garland.

In 2002, Meghan Markle’s acting career began with a minor role as Nurse Jill in “General Hospital,” but she is best known for her portrayal of Rachel Zane on “Suits,” where she appeared from 2011 to 2018.

Princess Grace met Prince Rainier during a photo shoot, while Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were introduced through a blind date arranged by a mutual friend.

Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly; Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during their first public appearance at the Invictus Games Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly; Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the 2017 Invictus Games. Bettmann/Getty Images; Chris Jackson/Getty Images

As reported by Harper’s Bazaar, Grace Kelly was invited to the Cannes Film Festival in 1955, where she met Prince Rainier III of Monaco. They married a year later.

In July 2016, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were introduced on a blind date at Soho House in New York City, thanks to a mutual friend.

In their first joint interview, Markle mentioned to the BBC in 2017 that she wasn’t very familiar with the British royal family before their meeting. She had only asked if Prince Harry was kind, as she felt that kindness was crucial.

Both Princess Grace and Meghan Markle chose to leave their acting careers after becoming engaged.

Grace Kelly on her wedding day in 1956; Meghan Markle on her wedding day in 2018 Grace Kelly on her wedding day in 1956; Meghan Markle on her wedding day in 2018. Mondadori/Getty Images; Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Grace Kelly briefly continued her acting career after her engagement to Prince Rainier to complete her contract with MGM. Her final film, “High Society,” featured her wearing one of her engagement rings.

J. Randy Taraborrelli’s book, “Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier,” mentions that Kelly initially intended to continue acting after her wedding. However, Prince Rainier later decided she should retire from acting.

On November 29, 2017, Meghan Markle confirmed she would be leaving “Suits” following seven seasons, right after her engagement was announced.

USA Network expressed their congratulations to Markle and Prince Harry, acknowledging her dedication to “Suits” and wishing her well.

Her character, Rachel Zane, concluded with her marriage to Patrick J. Adams’s character, Mike Ross, in the final season.

Despite suggestions from Prince Harry’s family that Markle could continue acting to support herself, she chose to step away from Hollywood.

Princess Grace had to use her own and her family’s wealth to cover a substantial dowry, depleting much of her fortune.

Before marrying Prince Rainier, Grace Kelly was on track to become one of Hollywood’s wealthiest actresses. After paying a $2 million dowry (equivalent to about $20 million today), she had little left. At her death, her net worth was reported to be only $10,000, plus a small cottage in Ireland.

Both Princess Grace and Meghan Markle’s marriages were widely celebrated as fairy tale romances.

Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly after their engagement in 1956; Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after their engagement in 2017 Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly after their engagement in 1956; Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after their engagement in 2017. Bettmann/Getty Images; Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

Grace Kelly’s and Meghan Markle’s engagements and weddings were met with immense public attention and described as fairy tales. Grace Kelly’s wedding was the first royal wedding to be broadcast live.

Prince Rainier wanted a bride to ensure a successor for the Monegasque throne, while Prince Harry, knowing he was unlikely to become king, had no such obligation.

Grace Kelly and Meghan Markle both maintained their U.S. citizenship after marrying into royalty.

Grace Kelly in New York City in 1982; Meghan Markle in 2018 Grace Kelly in New York City in 1982; Meghan Markle in 2018.

Grace Kelly retained her American citizenship and became a dual citizen of the U.S. and Monaco. Meghan Markle also kept her American citizenship and voted in the 2020 presidential election after moving back to California with Prince Harry.

Both women faced significant adjustments after relocating from the U.S. to their respective royal residences.

Grace Kelly in 1956 and Meghan Markle in 2018 Grace Kelly in 1956 and Meghan Markle in 2018.

While Grace Kelly adapted to her new life in Monaco by focusing on charitable work, Meghan Markle also worked to adjust to royal expectations. Meghan expressed in a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey that she found the transition challenging. The couple eventually moved to Santa Barbara, California, and Meghan continues to support causes through her Archewell foundation.

Both women faced media scrutiny, but Meghan Markle encountered more severe criticism and racism in the British press compared to Grace Kelly’s relatively favorable reception. Meghan’s challenges with the press and within the royal family contributed to her and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from their royal roles and relocate to the U.S.