Meghan Markle: How Old Is Meghan Markle According to Her Father

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has become one of the most recognized women in the world—thanks to her unique transition from Hollywood actress to British royal. She’s a humanitarian, podcast host, mother, and wife to Prince Harry. But amid the global fascination with her life, relationships, and royal journey, one oddly specific question has emerged: How old is Meghan Markle according to her father?

Quick Bio

Who Is Meghan Markle?

Meghan Markle is an American-born former actress, now best known as the Duchess of Sussex, a title she received after marrying Prince Harry in 2018. Before joining the British royal family, she gained fame through her role as Rachel Zane on the legal drama Suits.

Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Meghan has focused on philanthropy, producing content through Archewell Productions, and raising her children with Prince Harry. She’s also become an influential public figure in conversations surrounding race, mental health, and women’s rights.

Early Life and Background

Rachel Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, in Canoga Park, Los Angeles, to Thomas Markle Sr. and Doria Ragland. Her biracial heritage—African American mother and Caucasian father—would become a major part of her identity and later, a focal point of public discussion after joining the royal family.

Raised primarily by her mother after her parents’ divorce when she was around six years old, Meghan experienced a diverse cultural upbringing in Southern California. Despite her Hollywood surroundings—her father worked in television lighting—she was known to be grounded, studious, and compassionate from a young age.

She often visited sets where her father worked, which later sparked her own interest in the entertainment industry. But even in her early years, Meghan was deeply involved in social causes—writing letters about gender equality and volunteering at soup kitchens.

Age and Physical Appearance

As of 2025, Meghan Markle is 43 years old, based on her confirmed birth date of August 4, 1981. She has consistently celebrated her birthday on this date, and no credible documents or reports challenge its accuracy.

Physical Stats:

• Height: 5 feet 6 inches (167.5 cm)
• Hair Color: Dark Brown
• Eye Color: Brown
• Figure: Slim and athletic

Her natural beauty, elegance, and public presence have made her a global fashion icon. She’s frequently featured on the cover of lifestyle and fashion magazines, often celebrated for her sophisticated yet minimalist style.

Education

Meghan Markle attended Immaculate Heart High School, a private all-girls Catholic school in Los Angeles. She later pursued higher education at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she double-majored in Theater and International Studies.

During her college years, she also completed an internship at the U.S. Embassy in Argentina and briefly considered a career in diplomacy. Her education not only honed her acting skills but also helped develop her global awareness and social consciousness, which would serve her well in royal and advocacy roles.

His Father: Thomas Markle Sr.

Thomas Markle Sr. is a retired television lighting director who worked on popular shows like Married… with Children and even won a Daytime Emmy Award. He married Doria Ragland in 1979, and they divorced in the late 1980s.

Though initially close, Thomas Markle’s relationship with Meghan has deteriorated significantly in recent years. He did not attend her royal wedding due to health issues and subsequent controversy over staging paparazzi photos. Since then, he has given numerous interviews criticizing his daughter and Prince Harry, despite Meghan’s repeated calls for privacy.

So, How Old Is Meghan Markle According to Her Father?

Despite rampant online speculation and Thomas Markle’s media appearances, he has never publicly disputed Meghan’s birth year. He acknowledges her birth date as August 4, 1981, just like official records indicate. However, online searches asking “how old is Meghan Markle according to her father” may stem from confusion due to their strained relationship or theories spread by tabloids suggesting hidden family secrets—which have never been substantiated.

Any implications that Thomas Markle believes Meghan to be older or younger than she claims are false or speculative. There are no verified sources to support that he believes she was born on a different dat

His Mother: Doria Ragland

Doria Ragland is a social worker and yoga instructor who has maintained a relatively low public profile compared to Meghan’s father. Doria is of African American heritage and has been praised for her grace, dignity, and support of her daughter—especially during the royal wedding and the Sussexes’ move to the United States.

Unlike Meghan’s estranged relationship with her father, Doria remains very close to her daughter and has even lived with the couple to help raise their children. Meghan has spoken fondly of her mother’s strong influence and nurturing presence in her life.

Children

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry share two children:

1. Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

• Born: May 6, 2019
• Place of Birth: London, UK
  Archie is the couple’s first child and is growing up in the U.S. after the family’s relocation. Meghan and Harry have shielded him from excessive media exposure, choosing to raise him in a more private, grounded environment.

2. Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor

• Born: June 4, 2021
• Place of Birth: Santa Barbara, California
  Lilibet is named after Queen Elizabeth II (whose nickname was “Lilibet”) and Princess Diana. The couple chose this name to honor both of their family histories while marking a new chapter for their American-based life.

Meghan and Harry have expressed their desire to raise their children in a balanced way, combining their royal roots with a more modern, inclusive lifestyle.

Current Life

Since stepping back from royal duties in January 2020, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have redefined their public image through media, philanthropy, and advocacy.

Key Highlights:

• Residence: Montecito, California
• Business Ventures: Co-founders of Archewell, a nonprofit and media production company
• Netflix Deal: Multi-million-dollar partnership producing documentaries, children’s programs, and social issue content
• Spotify: Hosted the podcast Archetypes, focused on dismantling stereotypes about women
• Book Author: Released The Bench, a children’s book inspired by her relationship with Harry and their son Archie
• Public Speaking: Continues to speak out on issues such as racial justice, mental health, gender equality, and media ethics

While she no longer carries out royal duties, Meghan continues to champion causes she’s passionate about—often sparking both praise and criticism for her bold, outspoken style.

Conclusion

So, how old is Meghan Markle according to her father? The answer is simple: According to her father and all public records, Meghan Markle was born on August 4, 1981, making her 43 years old as of 2025. There’s no credible evidence suggesting otherwise, despite the gossip-fueled headlines and ongoing family tensions.

Whether admired for her advocacy, criticized for her royal decisions, or followed for her fashion, Meghan Markle remains a woman of strength, intelligence, and evolving identity—defined not by speculation, but by her words, actions, and impact on the world.

FAQs

Q1: How old is Meghan Markle according to her father?
A: Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, has never disputed her official birth date. She was born on August 4, 1981, making her 43 years old in 2025.

Q2: Why do people ask about Meghan’s age according to her father?
A: The question arises due to conspiracy theories and speculation fueled by her strained relationship with her father, though there is no factual basis for any discrepancy in her age.

Q3: Who are Meghan Markle’s parents?
A: Her father is Thomas Markle Sr., a retired lighting director, and her mother is Doria Ragland, a social worker and yoga instructor.

Q4: Are Meghan Markle and her father close?
A: No, their relationship has been estranged since before her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

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