Royal Wedding: Meghan Markle's connection to Canada before she was a royal-to-be

  • 19/05/2018

Meghan Markle will soon be the Duchess of Sussex when she marries Prince Harry but before she was a royal-to-be, she had built a life in Canada - despite being an American. 

Ms Markle, born 1981 in California, starred as Rachel Zane in the television series Suits from 2011 to 2017, which was filmed in Toronto, Canada.  

Living in Canada' biggest city, the actress would split her time between Trinity Bellwoods Park in the modern West Queen West area and restaurants near her home in the Annex, according to BBC. 

She used to shop for groceries at specialty shops in Kensington Market and was spotted at the private Soho House club in the downtown area. 

Ms Markle has been described as "very loyal to a very small group of friends" by Amanda Dishaw, a Vancouver writer who runs the blog Meghan's Mirror along with American colleague Christie O'Brien. 

One of those friends is Ben Mulroney, the son of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, according to Ms Dishaw. 

Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney speaks with his son Ben Mulroney.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney speaks with his son Ben Mulroney. Photo credit: Reuters

The BBC describes Ben Mulroney as "Canada's answer to Ryan Seacrest"; his wife, Jessica Mulroney, is fashion advisor to the Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, the current Canadian Prime Minister's wife. 

Ms Markle has spoken about her affection for Canada, even describing the country as her second home, the BBC reports. Her connection to Canada, a Commonwealth nation, could play in her favour with the royal family, Ms Dishaw says.  

But to Canadians, it wouldn't matter who Prince Harry married, because "he or she would be welcomed with open arms."

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