Moments from Meghan Markle's childhood that show the Duchess of Sussex always craved the limelight: From high school play fallout to letter about her 'rich and famous' future

Meghan Markle's story is one of ambition and determination, marked by an early belief in her potential for greatness. Growing up in Los Angeles, a city synonymous with dreams of stardom, Meghan was no exception in aspiring to make a mark on the world stage. Her formative years at Immaculate Heart High School, located near the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, were characterized by her commitment to acting and her drive to excel in theatrical productions.

Meghan Markle starred in a series of high school plays. Here she is pictured with her father Thomas Markle on her graduation day

The poignant moment in her and Prince Harry's 2022 Netflix docuseries, where Meghan revisits her elementary school to read a letter she wrote at age 11, underscores her early confidence in her future success. Her declaration—"When I am rich and famous and I write my life story, I will talk about you and the school so you will be known worldwide"—reveals a young girl with not only a dream but also the determination to make it a reality.

Meghan Markle showed her star potential as a teenager when she was crowned the homecoming queen of her high school

As she immersed herself in high school theater, Meghan's dedication and talent became evident. Her participation in productions and her success in the spotlight reflected a natural flair for performance and a strong work ethic. This period laid the foundation for her future pursuits, showcasing her early passion for storytelling and a desire to connect with audiences, traits that would later define her career in Hollywood and beyond.

Thomas Markle has said previously he knew Meghan would be a star after seeing her perform in the school plays as a teenager

Meghan Markle's journey in high school theater underscores her early passion for performance and her drive to excel in the arts. Her standout roles in productions like Oedipus Rex, Annie, Damn Yankees, and Into the Woods highlight not only her talent but also her ability to command attention on stage. These experiences laid a foundation for her eventual career in acting, showcasing her commitment and ability to shine in demanding roles.

Thomas and Meghan's mother Doria Ragland (pictured all together) had divorced when Meghan was six, but they raised her together, with the future duchess often seen around the sets he worked on

However, Meghan's ambition also seems to have fostered an intense competitive streak. Biographer Tom Bower's claims of her irritation when peers found success outside of school reveal a deep desire to be recognized as the best. This drive, while contributing to her success, also hints at the challenges of navigating the highly competitive environment of Hollywood.

Biographer Tom Bower wrote his 2022 book Revenge about Meghan 

Her father, Thomas Markle, played a significant role in nurturing her aspirations, leveraging his Hollywood connections and professional expertise to support her early efforts. From arranging professional headshots to taking her to the Emmy Awards, he appears to have been a key figure in fostering her dreams. His recollection of Meghan’s frequent declaration—“I want to be an actress”—further emphasizes her unwavering focus on her goals.

Thomas wanted the best for his daughter, forking out on private elementary and secondary schools, including the $17,650-a-year Immaculate Heart school 

Thomas took Meghan to the Emmy awards ceremony when he was nominated as the best lighting director 

Yet, this period also marked the beginning of complex family dynamics. While Thomas supported her dreams, their eventual estrangement adds a layer of poignancy to their story, underscoring the personal sacrifices and conflicts that can accompany a relentless pursuit of ambition. This narrative paints a picture of a young woman fiercely determined to achieve her dreams, with both the triumphs and challenges that come with such a singular focus.

Meghan posing with a high school classmate after appearing in a show together 

Meghan Markle’s formative years were marked by her father’s unwavering support and her own determination to achieve her dream of fame. Thomas Markle's influence extended beyond financial contributions, such as funding her private education at the prestigious Immaculate Heart High School, to offering hands-on guidance in her budding acting career. His expertise as a lighting director not only enhanced her school’s theatrical productions but also provided Meghan with a unique advantage, as she received professional-level insights into the art of performance and presentation from a young age.

One downside of Meghan's success at her school productions was allegedly the 'intense jealousy' she felt if someone other than herself took the limelight, according to author Tom Bower

Meghan's dedication to her craft, as described by biographer Tom Bower, reflects a disciplined approach instilled by her father. According to Bower, she followed instructions diligently, perfecting her lines and incorporating advice on posture, eye contact, and sincerity to enhance her performances. Her drama teacher, Gigi Perreau, praised her strong work ethic and confident stage presence, qualities that set Meghan apart and made her the standout performer in school productions.

Meghan was trained by her father Thomas on how to act, according to Tom Bower

Thomas’ encouragement and Meghan’s natural drive helped her excel in an environment where she quickly became a star. Her experiences growing up on Hollywood sets and her early exposure to the entertainment industry likely deepened her understanding of what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of acting. This combination of parental support, professional insight, and personal ambition created a strong foundation for Meghan’s future in the spotlight.

Meghan has been called an attention-seeker over the years 

Thomas Markle’s influence on Meghan’s early acting career extended beyond technical guidance to include critical lessons about authenticity in performance. His advice to "hold her head, fixate her eyes, show her best profile, and most importantly, look sincere" emphasized the importance of appearing genuine, a cornerstone of impactful acting. This mentorship, combined with Meghan’s innate charisma and dedication, helped her flourish on stage. Her performances, often captured with her characteristic smile, earned her widespread admiration. By 1998, she was not only a standout performer but also a celebrated figure among her peers, crowned homecoming queen—a testament to her popularity and charm.

The bestselling book was published in 2022

Thomas’ involvement in Meghan's theatrical journey was substantial. He lent his professional skills to elevate the school’s productions, ensuring their technical quality matched Meghan’s performances. His reflections in a 2020 documentary highlight his pride in her growth, attributing her sense of duty and work ethic to his guidance and involvement in her artistic pursuits.

Following their estrangement, Thomas has since become an outspoken critic of Meghan and Harry, accusing them of damaging the Royal Family by stepping back from their duties

However, their harmonious relationship encountered challenges as Meghan entered her late teens. A pivotal moment came in 1999 during a conflict surrounding The Pajama Game, the school’s spring musical. Meghan aspired to the lead role but also desired to attend a week-long summer retreat organized by the school. When her drama teacher, Gigi Perreau, insisted she choose between the retreat and the role, Meghan chose the retreat, forfeiting the lead part. This decision reportedly upset Meghan, and according to Bower, it led to a significant disagreement with her father, particularly when he continued to assist with the production’s lighting despite her frustrations.

Since moving to California in 2020, Meghan has been seen enjoying herself with her ever-changing list of celebrity friends

This episode marked a turning point in Meghan’s relationship with her father, illustrating the complexities of balancing personal ambition, family dynamics, and creative passion. Despite these tensions, the foundation Thomas helped lay during Meghan’s formative years undeniably contributed to her later success in Hollywood and beyond.

Meghan Markle's teenage years and early adulthood were marked by a combination of ambition, family dynamics, and eventual professional success. The conflict with her drama teacher, Gigi Perreau, over her decision to attend a school retreat rather than pursue the lead role in The Pajama Game illustrates Meghan's determination to prioritize personal choices, even if it led to sacrifices in her theatrical aspirations. This decision, however, reportedly sparked tension with her father, Thomas Markle, who ignored Meghan's demand not to assist with the production’s lighting, leading to a brief fallout between them.

After graduating high school, Meghan moved nearly 2,000 miles away to Northwestern University in Illinois. This marked the beginning of her journey into adulthood and professional independence. Although her relationship with Thomas became strained over the years, it broke down completely in the lead-up to her 2018 wedding to Prince Harry, following reports that Thomas had collaborated with paparazzi for staged photographs. Thomas’s public criticisms of Meghan and Harry since then have added layers of complexity to their estranged relationship.

Despite these personal challenges, Meghan went on to achieve her dream of acting professionally, landing her breakout role as Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits. The role brought her widespread recognition and set the stage for her entrance into the global spotlight following her engagement to Prince Harry.

Their marriage and eventual departure from the Royal Family in 2020, dubbed "Megxit," catapulted Meghan and Harry into an entirely new realm of fame and scrutiny. Moving to California, the couple began a new chapter, marked by high-profile projects and appearances. Meghan’s presence at glamorous Hollywood events and her network of celebrity friends reflect her evolution into a multifaceted public figure, blending her past in entertainment with her current focus on advocacy, business ventures, and media projects.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's $14.7million home in Montecito, Santa Barbara, California 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's journey from the royal spotlight to their independent lives in California has been marked by headline-making moments and significant media ventures. Their explosive March 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, watched by an estimated 50 million people globally, offered insights into their struggles within the Royal Family, igniting widespread debate and scrutiny.

In April 2021, Meghan chose not to attend Prince Philip's funeral, reportedly expressing concerns about drawing attention away from the occasion. Following Queen Elizabeth II's death in September 2022, author Alexander Larman noted in The Spectator that Meghan seemed to have taken a backseat, though this dynamic reportedly did not align with her preference for being at the forefront.

Soon after, Meghan resumed her Archetypes podcast, showcasing her talent for reclaiming the public spotlight. The December 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan further amplified their platform. Despite its polarizing reception, the series became Netflix's second-most-watched documentary, cementing the couple's ability to command global attention.

Meghan’s trajectory continues to evolve. With a cooking and home show expected on Netflix in 2025, she appears poised to explore new avenues while maintaining her distinctive presence in public and media discourse. This project signals her enduring ambition to shape her narrative and connect with audiences in innovative ways.

The duchess is predicted to be releasing her latest venture soon, in the form of a cooking programme on Netflix in 2025, which has been teased with this out of focus picture