Speculation is swirling around a possible return to the screen for the Duchess of Sussex, as insiders report that she might embrace an acting opportunity upon relocating back to the UK.
Before marrying into royalty, Meghan Markle made her mark as Rachel Zane on the hit American series “Suits,” captivating audiences with her portrayal of a clever attorney for seven memorable seasons.
However, following her final episode in 2018 and subsequent entrance into royal life, the duchess, now 45, put her acting journey on hold, having stepped away from new roles since.
According to entertainment insiders speaking with Australia’s News.com.au, Meghan has been approached for a part in a still-secretive project slated to unfold on British soil.
Although those in Meghan’s inner circle haven’t confirmed these claims to BBC News, the buzz adds another layer to the reasons behind the couple’s planned return to the UK later this month.
Meghan also has a small part in the upcoming US film Close Personal Friends, making a cameo appearance as herself alongside Lily Collins and Brie Larson.
The betting firm Ladbrokes was today offering 80/1 odds on Meghan appearing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, 100/1 on EastEnders and 150/1 on Coronation Street.
Before meeting Harry, the duchess had roles in CSI: Miami, sci-fi show Fringe and movies such as Get Him To The Greek, Remember Me and Horrible Bosses. She was also a ‘briefcase girl’ – a model holding a suitcase of cash – on Deal Or No Deal.
But nearly a decade ago, Meghan confirmed in a joint interview with Harry following their engagement in 2017 that she was happy to pause her acting career.
Meghan Markle played lawyer Rachel Zane for seven seasons of the US legal drama Suits
Meghan also had a small role in the 2011 movie Horrible Bosses as a FedEx worker
She said at the time: ‘What’s been really exciting, as we talk about this as the transition out of my career is that the causes that have been very important to me, I can focus even more energy on.
‘You realise that as you have access, or a voice that people are willing to listen to, [it comes with] a lot of responsibility, which I take seriously.
‘I don’t see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change. It’s a new chapter. And keep in mind I’ve been working on my show for seven years. We were very fortunate to have that sort of longevity on a series.
‘For me, once we hit the 100-episode marker, I thought, I have ticked this box and I feel really proud of the work we’ve done there and now it’s time to work as a team with [Harry].’
The Sussexes have not yet commented on their reasons for moving back to Britain, but the duchess will continue to run her lifestyle brand As Ever from their new base.
While Meghan has not had an acting role in nearly a decade, she has appeared in several Netflix series as part of the couple’s $100million deal in 2020 which was then watered down to a ‘first-look’ arrangement last year.
These shows included two seasons of her lifestyle show ‘With Love, Meghan’, which was widely panned by critics, and the controversial ‘Harry & Meghan’ documentary, which featured a range of accusations against the Royal Family.
She also appeared as a guest judge on MasterChef Australia last month, after filming the episode in Melbourne in April during a four-day tour of the country with Harry.
Upon their return to the UK, the couple are to live in a non-royal residence outside of London – having already enrolled Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in British schools.
Meghan was once a ‘briefcase girl’ – a model holding a suitcase of cash – on Deal Or No Deal
Meghan confirmed in a joint BBC interview with Harry following their engagement in 2017 that she was happy to pause her acting career, saying it was a ‘change’ and a ‘new chapter’
Decisions about whether taxpayers will foot the bill for their security remain unanswered. Prime Minister Andy Burnham would not be drawn on the security arrangements, saying yesterday that the funding for it was a ‘private matter’.
Harry and Meghan’s decision to relocate to the UK was only relayed to the King on Sunday, three days before the news went public on Wednesday night.
The Sussexes decamped to California more than six years ago amid the turbulent Megxit crisis, which was followed by ongoing family fallouts and a barrage of accusations fired at the Prince and Princess of Wales and the King and Queen Camilla.
The King is said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the Sussex family, but remains adamant they will not be working royals, and there is no half-in, half-out option.
Archie and Lili are expected to start at their new schools in early September, and the Sussexes are keeping their homes in California and Portugal.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have not reacted publicly to the news. William – the future king – is estranged from his brother following Harry’s controversial claims about the royal family in the wake of Megxit.
A spokesman for the duke and duchess has been contacted for comment today.