Makeup trends, appointments for cosmetic surgery, and endless online discussion have all been triggered by Meghan Markle’s appearance. Surprisingly, though, she did feel invisible, unimportant, and self-conscious at one point.
She wasn’t destined for fame. Meghan Markle wasn’t prepared for red carpet photographers or given a crown. pictures from school. Red carpets in advance. TV appearances. Not all of Meghan’s photos are flattering; each one conveys a distinct narrative.
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It took some time for her appearance to change. It changed gradually over several decades. The issue remains as images and articles chart her rise from fame to obscurity: Is this change due to maturity, style, and confidence, or is there another factor at play?
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The 90s: ‘Ugly Duckling’ Years and Teenage Isolation
Meghan’s appearance has clearly changed from her early days as an actress to her current role as the Duchess of Sussex. She hasn’t, however, responded to reports of cosmetic surgery.
During a 2022 episode of “Archetypes,” Meghan confided in Mindy Kaling about not feeling gorgeous as a child.
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Asked if she wasn’t pretty, she immediately replied, “No, oh God, no!” Kaling, shocked, said, “What? That is news to me.” Meghan added, “Ugly duckling.”
She elaborated, “Look, maybe not conventional beauty as it… Now, maybe that would be seen as beautiful, but massive frizzy curly hair and a huge gap in my teeth. I was the smart one. Forever and ever and ever and ever. And then just sort of grew up.”
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“I never had anyone to sit with at lunch. I was always a little bit of a loner and really shy and didn’t know where I fit in,” she said. The years to come would reveal a slow but undeniable shift—one that would turn her into a global beauty icon.
2005–2010: First Red Carpets and Camera Awareness
Meghan started making appearances at entertainment events during the middle of the 2000s. She wore a loose haircut and no makeup to a pre-Emmy style lounge in 2005.
She didn’t drastically alter her natural appearance at press events in 2006.
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However, by 2010, she looked more put together at a beauty industry event, with glossy hair, perfect skin, and a distinct sense of the spotlight.
2011–2016: ‘Suits’ and Signature Glow
One significant turning point in her career was her portrayal of Rachel Zane on Suits. Fame brought with it a more polished, dependable appearance, complete with sleek hair, cheekbone contours, and well-chosen red carpet looks.
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By 2013, Meghan had adopted a gorgeous yet understated style. She looked stunning in 2014 at Elle’s Women in Television event, sporting warm-toned makeup and crisp lines.
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She embraced peach-toned makeup at 2015’s Toronto Fashion Week.
Her style—warm blush, subtle definition, and a radiant finish—was well-established by 2016.
2017–2025: The Nose That Launched Expert Consultations
Interest in Meghan’s appearance peaked when she and Prince Harry went public. It turned into a worldwide obsession, with fans and specialists offering their conjectures, especially on her nose, a feature that caused a cosmetic frenzy.
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Dr. David Cangello, a rhinoplasty specialist in New York, disclosed that his patients now frequently mention Meghan’s nose. “Overall, her nose balances nicely with the rest of her facial features,” he said.
Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg revealed just how extreme the demand had become. “Patients started coming to see me about six months ago, requesting Meghan Markle’s nose,” he said. “Today, she is probably one of the top — if not the No. 1 — request I get.”
Greenberg said that the combination of realism and precision in her nose was what made it so alluring. Although not flawless, he clarified, her nose “fits the strong definition of her overall facial appearance.”
The rumors intensified once Meghan formally became a member of the royal family. Dr. Vartan Mardirossian said in an interview with Closer Weekly that her nose appeared “more refined and is more rotated.”
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He stated, “These changes are subtle and very natural and are likely the work of a talented rhinoplasty surgeon.”
But not everyone agreed. Dr. Andrew Miller said, “If she had any work done on her nose, it is just a small amount of tip refining to narrow it slightly and lift it.”
Dr. Adam Hamawy also strongly disagreed with any suggestion of surgery, noting, “Meghan Markle appears to still have the same nose she was born with. She doesn’t look like she has had any plastic surgery to change the mild imperfections that contribute to her natural beauty.”
He said, “Any differences that I’ve seen are easily accounted for by her facial expression, makeup, or lighting.”
Although Markle herself said nothing, her first public appearances after getting married said a lot: she had flawless makeup, glowing skin, and a glow that left everyone wondering.
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Online Speculation: Praise, Curiosity, and Critique
Social media was ablaze with her sleek white outfit and slicked-back bun during the Balenciaga show in Paris.
“She lost weight a lot, but still charming lady,” one wrote. Another claimed, “She had work done.” A third one simply appreciated her look without speculating, “She looks so good.”
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One commenter noted, “She’s definitely done some nicely done laser resurfacing and peels. All of her freckles and sun damage is practically gone. Her skin tone is now clear and bright. Would love to know exactly which procedures she’s had. It’s very well done.”
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The 30-photo trip shows Meghan’s transformation from school halls to the international stage.