Growing up in California, from a young age Meghan Markle had dreams of becoming a powerful princess.
Writing on her Tig Talk blog, which was closed when her relationship with Prince Harry became public, she revealed her childhood ambition was to be like 80s cartoon heroine She-Ra.
Admitting that her dreams of being a “princess of power” were not just confined to her youth, Meghan said: “And grown women seem to retain this childhood fantasy.”
After finding the reality failed to live up to the animated fantasy, Meghan, who turns 40 today, has found much to replace the dream.
She has thrown herself into a voracious pursuit of causes such as mental health advocacy, gender equality, climate change and tackling poverty through her and Harry’s Archewell charity.
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But along the way, the power couple have secured multi-million dollar deals with private companies while making repeated bombshell allegations against the Royal Family.
In just five years since meeting Harry, Meghan has had an unprecedented effect on royal life. They say life begins at 40, so what could the future bring?
Children
The Duke and Duchess made no secret of their desire for children but have said two is their limit, to help protect the planet.
The couple were named environmental “role models” for deciding to have no more siblings for Archie and Lilibet.
Population Matters, a UK-based charity which campaigns for a “sustainable human population”, said it had chosen the couple to receive an award for their “enlightened” decision on the issue.
Harry had previously indicated to British Vogue that he and Meghan would have a “maximum” of two children.
The couple’s son, Archie, was born in May 2019, followed by their daughter, Lilibet “Lili” Diana, in June this year.
Friends
It’s no secret Meghan and Harry like to be seen as part of the Hollywood A-list set.
George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey were both invited to their May 2018 Windsor Castle wedding while at the time hardly knowing the couple and meeting very little, some claim if at all.
Already the couple has settled into the neighbourhood, reportedly making friends with Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom, who live nearby.
Many of the couple’s long-term friends have fallen by the wayside, other more famous pals have taken their place.
Meghan is said to be close to Priyanka Chopra, Serena Williams and more recently, Jennifer Lopez.
People expect Meghan to forge further Hollywood friendships while childhood friends appear to vanish without a trace.
Career plans
Away from money-spinning deals with Spotify, Netflix and publishers, sources claim Meghan will use her 40s to network with senior Democrats and further her White House ambitions.
The Duchess previously told friends of her political ambitions, with many claiming she has begun building a team which could take her to the presidency.
It is believed she dreams of becoming the US’s first female president.
Investigative journalist Tom Bower said: “The prospect of Meghan running for president is possible, and I would even say likely. I really believe it is where she sees herself going.”
Meghan has made a series of shrewd investments with a vegan coffee brand.
And she has enlisted the help of megastars Oprah Winfrey and Kim Kardashian to promote it to their millions of social media followers. Industry sources say now she has the freedom to earn and invest her millions, she is looking to expand her portfolio.
She is believed to want to back start-ups and ethical brands, which could net her a multi-million fortune.
There is also a book deal in the offing, expected to be a guide to wellness. She has already released a children’s book.
In addition, you can expect to see the Sussexes’ philanthropic Archewell foundation continue to flourish.
Relations with the royals
Given the steady stream of attacks launched by Meghan and Harry on the Royal Family, it is seen as increasingly unlikely the couple will return to the UK.
While the Queen has maintained both Harry and Meghan “will always be much loved family members”, royal sources have said senior royals remain “dismayed” at their involvement in television interviews where they have accused the family of racism and abandonment.
One palace insider said the couple could find themselves cut further adrift from the family if they continued their public war of words, with a “distinct nervousness” in the camp following Harry’s announcement that he is to release his memoirs next year.
The Duke has said he has “always felt worried” when he now has to fly back to London, as the rift with his brother William continues.
Public resentment has grown towards the couple over their treatment of the Queen and the other royals. Courtiers are also worried Meghan, seen by some as the driving force behind their departure from Britain, would be booed if she returned to UK life.
Harry has also said returning to the UK to attend his grandfather Prince Philip ’s funeral meant he suffered again. Harry said it again put him in a place where he felt trapped and constantly watched by cameras. He said: “I was worried about it, I was afraid.”
Home
After relocating five times in little more than a year, the Sussexes moved into their £11million “forever home” in July last year.
The 18,000-square-foot house features 16 bathrooms, a gym, theatre, wine cellar and five-car garage, while the 5.4acre grounds boast a pool, tennis court, tea house and even a children’s cottage.
There is also a two-bedroom guest house, which sources say is where Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, stays during visits.
Located 80 miles north-west of Los Angeles in Santa Barbara County, the upscale enclave has become a haven for the rich and famous.
Given the lifestyle and the security the property provides, and its proximity to the Hollywood scene the couple crave, those close to Meghan and Harry believe the house will be their permanent residence for much of their lives, barring divorce or a return to the UK.
Celebrity neighbours include Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe, Ariana Grande, Gwyneth Paltrow, Meg Ryan, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom.
It is extremely doubtful they will move again in the next decade but the question most asked in LA’s glitterati circle is when will Prince Charles and Camilla come to visit?
Money
Private companies cannot get enough of Meghan. She and Harry have amassed a fortune in the past year, signing a reported £100million deal with Netflix, a £30m deal with Spotify and rumours of a four-book, £25m deal for Harry.
Despite their popularity waning in the UK, both are still revered by millions around the world.
Leading American public relations boss, Ronn Torossian, CEO of 5WPR told the Mirror: “Since dropping their royal titles, we’ve seen Meghan and Harry’s fame rise in the US, especially Meghan, who has taken on deals with Disney as well as investing in a vegan coffee brand.
“I’m confident countless opportunities have been pitched to her so far, and that she has been strategic about the partnerships she has chosen.
“The main theme in their deals will continue to be family-friendly and purpose-driven causes, so [they] can keep up with their demure appearance.
“In terms of on-brand industries for Meghan, there are opportunities to endorse technologies geared towards early childhood development. In addition, non-profits focusing on early childhood education and scholarship programmes.
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“When it comes to luxury brands, I believe Meghan will avoid anything too overtly expensive ... it’s off-brand for the couple who have worked at their image of constructing a simple family life.
“There are still many more millions available in speaking opportunities, brand ambassador deals, book deals and production deals.
“Meghan [and Harry] have an iron-clad brand that isn’t slowing down anytime soon.”
