How well do you really know Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex?

Meghan Marle, 39, is a household name … I mean with her; fairy tale wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, explosive departure from the Royal Family in 2020, and not forgetting the recent shocking interview with Oprah Winfrey in March, it’s simply impossible for the Duchess of Sussex not to be. Ever since first stepping out into the spotlight with her Prince, her life has been exposed to the world, but how well do you really know the Duchess of Sussex?

Born on August 4, 1981, Meghan Markle has lived the lives of many in just her 39-years on earth, from a child feminist activist to Hollywood A-lister, and British Princess (sort of), there’s no one quite like her – but would you be surprised to know that “Meghan” isn’t even her real name?

In fact, the Duchess of Sussex was born Rachel ‘Meghan’ Markle in Los Angeles to parents, Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland.

Here are a few other surprising things you might not know about the mother of two – to Archie Harrison, two, and newborn Lilibet Diana, one month – below!

3 things you might not know about Meghan Markle

1. Feminist aged 11

At just age 11, Meghan Markle was already a feminist icon in the making when she single-handedly inflicted change to a soap commercial for its sexist portrayal of women in their adverts.

The commercial advertised Ivory dish soap and was directed at women. With a narrator voicing over the top that “women are fighting greasy pots and pans with Ivory dish soap” all over America. However, this didn’t sit well with young Meghan Markle so she sat down to write a letter to “anyone who might listen“, including Procter & Gamble itself, according to reports. 

And though it might have seemed ambitious for an 11-year-old, her persistence paid off! As shortly after her story was picked up by Nick News, the corporation opted to update their commercial, switching out “women” with “people.”

“If you see something you don’t like or are offended by on television or any other place, write letters and send them to the right people and you can really make a difference,” Meghan was filmed saying.  Check out her empowering speech below.

2. Could have been a diplomat

According to reports, right after she graduated from Northwestern University, the Duchess of Sussex qualified for a six-week internship with the U.S. State Department as a junior press officer at a U.S. embassy in Buenos Aires.

Her uncle was already a diplomat before, so she could have followed in his footsteps.

Though she ultimately decided to pursue a different career path, her involvement in female rights and multiple charities and work as a humanitarian would have surely one day opened doors to becoming a successful foreign diplomat.

3. Lifestyle blogger

In another life, before meeting Prince Harry, Meghan Markle was a fairly successful actress and grew to fame on the show Suits, and she also ran a personal lifestyle blog called The Tig, named after the Duchess of Sussex favourite red wine, Tignanello.

Meghan used the blog to document her trips and venture while giving fans and followers an insight look into her life.

Though she is a much more private person now, back then, the Duchess of Sussex would regularly post updates, as well as fun facts about herself, including that she had a crush on “Elizabeth Hurley”.