Meghan Markle returning to acting after 8-year hiatus

Meghan Markle is reportedly making a return to the acting world.

The former American actress turned Duchess of Sussex was recently seen in Pasadena, California, on the set of “Close Personal Friends”, as revealed by People magazine.

This marks Meghan’s first acting role since 2017 in a film directed by Jason Orley, featuring stars such as Lily Collins, Brie Larson, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding.

Having stepped away from the entertainment industry after becoming engaged to Prince Harry seven years ago, Markle is set to portray herself in this Amazon MGM Studios romantic comedy.

A source mentioned that she appeared “relaxed and happy” in her new venture.

“Meghan was on set today, taking on a small role. She seemed very relaxed and happy, introducing herself to everyone with a sweet and down-to-earth demeanor,” the insider shared with People.

“Close Personal Friends” is about a couple who become fast friends with a celebrity couple during a trip to Santa Barbara, Calif. Filming reportedly started in London in September before shifting to California.

The new project is better a fit that other acting offers she has been “swamped” with according to an insider.

“This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves. She has been swamped with offers, but this one felt right,” an unidentified source told The Sun. “It is Meghan’s way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set. Everyone involved is super excited and have been sworn to secrecy about her involvement.”

Markle had a career breakthrough as intrepid paralegal Rachel Zane on the USA legal drama “Suits.” She portrayed the role for seven seasons.

The basic cable network confirmed her exit in 2017.

Patrick J. Adams as Michael Ross, left, and Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in an episode of "Suits." (Shane Mahood/ USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
Patrick J. Adams as Michael Ross, left, and Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane in an episode of “Suits.” (Shane Mahood/ USA Network/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

Before then, the 44-year-old Los Angeles native had bit parts in the films “Get Him to the Greek,” “The Candidate” and “Horrible Bosses.”

In 2020, she and her husband announced they were stepping away from their senior royal duties and relocating to California.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, attend the Project Healthy Minds 3rd Annual Gala at Spring Studios on Oct. 9, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, attend the Project Healthy Minds 3rd Annual Gala at Spring Studios on Oct. 9, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Since the move, the runaway royals took America by storm with Harry’s headline-grabbing memoir, “Spare,”  the Netflix documentary “Harry & Meghan” and The Sussexes’ podcast production company, Archewell Audio.

In March, Markel launched the new Netflix  lifestyle series “With Love, Meghan,” which was slammed by critics after its premiere on the streaming platform.

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