Meghan Markle's journey from The Bench girl to powerful lawyer on Suits to real-life royal has been nothing short of extraordinary. However, her dream wedding was only the start. She has undergone an absolutely remarkable metamorphosis since accepting and then leaving the royal life. Much has been said about Meghan Markle’s marriage to Prince Harry, but there’s far more to her story than royal headlines. Before stepping into the global spotlight as the Duchess of Sussex, Markle led a fascinating life, which includes her connection to Argentina. 

Meghan Markle had a very different career in mind before she became well-known, one that was very different from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Markle was a young college student who was enthusiastic about international issues long before she became a member of the British royal family or played Rachel Zane on Suits.

Meghan Markle has frequently demonstrated her remarkable fluency in Spanish, leaving many to wonder how she managed to acquire it. Her time spent in Argentina and Madrid long before she was made Duchess of Sussex holds the key to the solution. Markle revealed in a conversation with Hello Magazine that she spent 20 years living in Argentina, where she fully immersed herself in the language and culture. She even disclosed the areas she used to live in, Las Cañitas and Palermo Viejo, two of Buenos Aires' liveliest neighborhoods. 

Markle’s time in Argentina was not just an adventure—it was a strategic career move. In 2001, she took on an internship at the U.S. embassy in Buenos Aires, working as a junior press officer. This experience gave her a front-row seat to international affairs and diplomacy, shaping her early ambitions. In With Love, Meghan, episode four, she reminisces about her time abroad while hosting a gathering with Delfina Blaquier, wife of her close friend Nacho Figueras. Her time in Argentina remains a fascinating chapter of her pre-royal journey. 

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"When I lived in Argentina, I think the reason I loved it so much is it reminded me of California in a lot of ways where you have the mountains, and you have just this joy of life and the joy of being outside," the Duchess said on the episode.

In 2003, Meghan Markle earned her degree from Northwestern University, double majoring in theater and international studies—a combination that hinted at both her Hollywood ambitions and global perspective. Fast forward to 2017, the world watched as the British royal family announced her engagement to Prince Harry, with their wedding set for the spring of 2018. The news sparked excitement at her alma mater. Laura Wayland, executive director of the Northwestern Alumni Association, shared her enthusiasm: “We’re excited to learn of the news that our alumna, Meghan Markle, will marry Britain’s Prince Harry." 

One of her former professors, Theater Department Chair Harvey Young, fondly recalled Markle’s time in his seminar on theater history and criticism, a class she took in 2003—his very first year at Northwestern. As noted by Northwestern News, Young reflected on Markle’s awareness of race and identity, saying how she had a "sophisticated view and understanding of what it means to be perceived and treated differently."

Long before stepping into the royal spotlight, Markle was already shaping conversations about identity, representation, and storytelling—something she continues to do on a global stage. However, destiny had other ideas. Following her return to Los Angeles, Markle met a talent manager who was instantly impressed after seeing her in a student film. That fortuitous meeting led her to pursue a career in entertainment rather than international diplomacy, which ultimately led to Suits, royal life, and international fame.

Meghan Markle revealed in a 2013 interview with Vogue how she was able to secure an internship at the U.S. embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina at the age of 20, despite the fact that she needed additional credits to finish her junior year. “It was their economic devaluation, and our Secretary of the Treasury at the time, Paul O'Neill, was there,” she recalled in 2013 in an interview with Marie Claire. In retrospect, Markle said her time at the embassy influenced how she played Rachel Zane in Suits. “It rooted my performance,” she further. Over 103 episodes, that depth added layers to the character she brought to life.

It is amazing to consider how her life might have turned out differently. From Argentinean motorcades to the red carpets of Hollywood, Markle's journey demonstrates that sometimes the best plans are the ones we do not anticipate. It was not easy for Markle to get her big break in Suits. She spent years navigating Hollywood's difficult casting process, frequently being rejected, before getting the part of Rachel Zane. In order to make ends meet, she took on small roles in television series such as CSI: NY, 90210, and Fringe. She even worked as a briefcase model on Deal or No Deal.

When she tried out for Suits, her perseverance paid off. Meghan was not originally intended to play Rachel Zane, but the producers were swayed by her charm and skill. Later, showrunner Aaron Korsh disclosed that they changed the character to suit Markle because of how strong her audition was.

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As Rachel, a sharp-witted paralegal with ambitions of becoming a lawyer, Markle became a fan favorite, starring in the show for seven seasons before stepping away to marry Prince Harry. The role not only launched her to fame but also showcased her ability to bring depth and intelligence to her character - cementing her place in television history.

Markle has been unstoppable. Fans have expressed their admiration for her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. Viewers have commended its genuine storytelling, emotional depth, and the individual touch she adds to every episode. Viewers have identified with the warmth and genuineness she brings to every moment, whether she is baking, keeping bees, or throwing small parties. Meghan recently announced that season two is coming, building on its success.

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Meghan Markle has always cherished her pre-royal life, a fact she often shared with fans through her now-deleted Instagram. Before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, the actress lived in several places, including Canada, where she filmed the hit series Suits and resided with her beloved dogs, Guy and Bogart. Her former Instagram was a glimpse into her effortlessly stylish yet simple world.   

Meghan Markle's time in the royal family has been extremely hectic. Her experience has been full of highs and lows, from her idyllic wedding to Prince Harry in 2018 to the intense media attention and her ultimate decision to resign as a senior royal in 2020. The Duchess of Sussex had to deal with several issues, such as tabloid scandals, public disapproval, and difficulties following royal customs. She and Prince Harry, however, decided to forge their route and relocate to the United States in order to concentrate on their families and personal endeavors. Since then, Meghan has embraced a new chapter in her life, working on charitable endeavors and projects like Archewell and With Love, Meghan.

She has remained close to Prince Harry and their kids while pursuing her passions of advocacy, storytelling, and business in spite of the upheaval. Throughout it all, Markle finds strength in her voice and personal pursuits, continuing to redefine herself beyond her royal titles.

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What are your thoughts on Meghan Markle’s pre-royal journey and her unexpected connection to Argentina? Let us know in the comments below.