Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took a big step forward in their relationship this week, making their first official appearances together at the Invictus Games – first sitting separately at the opening ceremony, then holding hands at a tennis match. With the romance looking more serious with each passing royal moment, fans want to know all about the Suits actress, from her style to her family.
GALLERY: Duchess Kate and Meghan Markle's twinning moments
The attention on Meghan is reminiscent of that surrounding Kate Middleton before she got engaged to Prince William – and it just so happens, both share a major similarity: they are both from non-royal backgrounds. Here HELLO! provides a guide to who's who in their respective families.
THE MOMS
Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland is a yoga teacher and social worker, who divorced Meghan’s father when she was six years old, according to reports. The pair are very close and Meghan has shared photos of the pair together on Instagram. Kate’s mom, Carole Middleton, used to be a flight attendant but is now a businesswoman and has three kids: Kate, Pippa and James. Kate is also extremely close to her mother with Carole visiting her this month to offer support as she battles sickness with her third pregnancy.
Meghan Markle with her mom Doria
THE DADS
Duchess Kate’s father Michael Middleton is from a wealthy family with aristocratic connections. Like her mother, he also worked as a flight attendant for British Airways, which is where the couple met. The family resides in Bucklebury in Berkshire. Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, is a former Emmy Award-winning lighting director. Earlier this year, Thomas Jr. told MailOnline: "My dad knew about [the relationship] from the start. He first met Prince Harry about six months ago out in Toronto. He goes once every couple of months – [Meghan and Thomas Markle Sr.] are very close and they stay in close contact."
RELATED: Kate and Meghan: See their first public appearances with their Princes
THE SIBLINGS
Meghan has a half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr. and a half-sister, Samantha Grant. Thomas, 51, is 15 years older than Meghan and lives in Oregon with his fiancée Darlene Blount and his two children. He told the Daily Mail this month: “I hope Prince Harry proposes. She's a hot commodity right now - he better get on it.” Samantha Markle, who is estranged from the Suits star, is a former actress and model and lives in Florida. Kate’s siblings, Pippa and James both live in the UK and are used to their share of press attention. Party organizer Pippa married James Matthews this year, while businessman James, 29, is in a relationship with long-term girlfriend Donna Air.
For more on Meghan Markle, click here.
For more on Kate Middleton, click here.
