From Hollywood to Royalty: How Grace Kelly and Meghan Markle Redefined the Crown
Grace Kelly and Meghan Markle both captured the world’s attention as actors before stepping into the royal spotlight. Though their paths to the crown were different, both women left behind their careers in Hollywood to marry into royal families. Here’s a comparison of how their star power, decisions, and public perceptions have evolved over the years.
Grace Kelly: The Hollywood icon who became a princess
Grace Kelly’s natural beauty and elegance helped her secure leading roles in some of the most iconic films of the 1950s. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native’s rise to fame was swift and undeniable.
Kelly starred alongside film legends like Cary Grant and James Stewart, cementing her place as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. However, a sudden twist of fate changed the trajectory of her life.
The actor was invited to Monaco for a photoshoot, where she met the charismatic young Prince Rainier after being introduced by Gone With the Wind star Olivia de Havilland. Kelly’s career was at its peak when the couple embarked on a year-long courtship, becoming engaged on Christmas 1955.
On April 18, 1956, marriage turned Kelly into Princess Grace. Her transition from actor to princess was seamless; she became a beloved royal figure and left the acting world behind.
However, despite retiring from acting, Princess Grace continued to be in the public eye. She took on charitable causes and represented Monaco on the global stage, fulfilling her royal duties while maintaining a sense of mystery and glamour.
Kelly’s enduring star power made her a beloved film icon. She remained a constant media fixture until her untimely death in 1982 at 52
Meghan Markle: From actor to Duchess of Sussex
Unlike Grace Kelly, Meghan Markle was not a household name before her royal marriage. Markle’s acting career was primarily limited to supporting roles in films and TV shows. She would eventually score a starring role on USA’s Suits.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry met in July 2016 through a mutual friend. By November 2017, the couple was engaged, and they married in May 2018.
Upon marrying Prince Harry, Meghan became the Duchess of Sussex. However, as Meghan transitioned into royal life, she appeared unsettled with the unique challenges royal life presented.
Meghan’s experience as a royal family member was marked by intense scrutiny and a decline in public favor. This suggests she and Harry faced challenges before ultimately exiting their royal roles in March 2020.
Meghan Markle, Grace Kelly’s star power at the time of their royal marriages
When Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier, she was already an established global star. Her marriage was seen as a fairy tale, capturing the attention of both the press and the public. She was revered for her beauty, style, and grace—qualities that continued to elevate her standing even after she became a princess.
Kelly’s royal wedding was a grand affair. But it was her subsequent role as a princess that solidified her status as a true icon.
Kelly’s public opinion remained largely positive throughout her life. Her elegance and dedication to her royal duties earned her the admiration of both the people of Monaco and international audiences. She became a symbol of grace under pressure, and her tragic death only amplified her legacy.
In contrast, Meghan Markle’s royal marriage was seen as a modern-day fairy tale, but her star power was still in the making. While she was well-known, especially in the U.S. for her role in Suits, her fame did not compare to Kelly’s.
Meghan subsequently faced a more complicated relationship with the public. While her initial marriage to Prince Harry was widely celebrated, over time, Meghan’s relationship with the royal family and the media became strained.
Oscar winner Kelly’s legacy remains untarnished. Meghan’s journey continues to unfold as the star of the Netflix series With Love, Meghan.
