Meghan Markle’s Race Got a Lot of Attention, But She’s Not the First Biracial Royal Family Member
Meghan Markle might not be a senior member of the royal family in an official capacity anymore, but she will inevitably remain linked to the royals throughout her life. Not only did she give birth to two children who belong to the British monarchy, but she has managed to make history in her own unique ways during her time as a senior royal. Let’s take a closer look at Meghan Markle’s race and what she shares with another royal member.
Markle made headlines many times for being the first biracial member of the royal family — however, there are some rumored royals in the past who might have actually had biracial heritage. In spite of possibly not being the first, Markle has definitely been the most high-profile biracial member of the royal family — and over the years, she has opened up several times about her unique experiences and heritage.
Queen Charlotte is rumored to share Meghan Markle’s biracial identity
Long before Meghan Markle married Prince Harry, a woman named Sophia Charlotte was married to King George III. After marrying the monarch in 1761, Queen Charlotte was reportedly forced to learn English rather quickly, adjusting to not only her new surroundings but her new exalted station as well.
Many experts have come to the conclusion that Queen Charlotte was of African descent, and that her union with King George III made her officially the first biracial member of the royal family. While biographers have not been able to confirm the rumor that Queen Charlotte was biracial, what is known about the queen is fascinating.
Over the course of her life, she gave birth to 15 children, and reportedly, she preferred that her children grow up with a normal childhood, free of the worries and stresses of royal life.
What race is Meghan Markle’s mom?
Queen Charlotte did not live in a time when women were encouraged to speak out. Fortunately, times have changed, and when Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018, the actor embraced her platform as a chance to educate and inform others about many important issues.
Meghan Markle’s dad is white and her mother is Black, leading Markle to show a particular affinity for working with causes that uplift Black people, women, and children at a young age.
For many royal fans, Markle was able to inject fresh life into the institution of the royal family. While the Suits star was forced to deal with racist treatment from the British tabloids, many fans loved her approach — and her unfiltered way of speaking about her upbringing and heritage.
What is Meghan Markle’s nationality?
In a 2015 essay for Elle Magazine, just one year prior to meeting Prince Harry, Meghan Markle opened up about her experience as a biracial woman:
“To describe something as being black and white means it is clearly defined. Yet when your ethnicity is Black and white, the dichotomy is not that clear. In fact, it creates a grey area. Being biracial paints a blurred line that is equal parts staggering and illuminating,” Markle detailed.
Markle, who is American, revealed how her parents supported her when she knew that she wanted to pursue a career in Hollywood, always telling her that she could do anything that she wanted to do:
“Being ‘ethnically ambiguous’, as I was pegged in the industry, meant I could audition for virtually any role. Morphing from Latina when I was dressed in red, to African American when in mustard yellow; my closet filled with fashionable frocks to make me look as racially varied as an Eighties Benetton poster … Sadly, it didn’t matter: I wasn’t Black enough for the Black roles and I wasn’t white enough for the white ones, leaving me somewhere in the middle as the ethnic chameleon who couldn’t book a job.”
Eventually, of course, Markle landed the high-profile role of Rachel Zane in Suits — a role that would not only change her life but help to give her visibility in Hollywood. Her acting paid off, as Meghan Markle’s net worth is an estimated $2 million. These days, Markle might not be a senior royal, but she’s still as committed as ever to speaking out and raising awareness whenever she can.
RELATED: Why Does Meghan Markle Get So Much More Attention Than Other Royal Family Members?
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