Who are Meghan Markle’s lookalikes? Meet the girls who earn thousands as Prince Harry’s future bride
Four mirror-image Meghans tell how their likeness has changed their lives since Prince Harry popped the question
MEET the Meg ringers – Britain’s top Meghan Markle doubles, who each bear a striking similarity to the US actress and Prince Harry’s bride-to-be.
All four have signed with lookalike agencies since the star of US TV drama Suits got engaged to Harry late last year. Here's the lowdown on their lives...
Why do people become lookalikes?
Helena Chard, casting director at agency Susan Scott’s Lookalikes – which has 20 Meghans on its books – said: “The demand for lookalikes of the couple is starting to escalate and after the wedding in May it’s set to boom.”
The going rate for clones of the 36-year-old former actor is around £400 for a few hours’ work, with the potential to earn £2,000 for a day-long gig.
Here are four Meghan lookalikes, who have changed their lives by impersonating the future royal.
SARAH MHLANGA
Sarah lives in Manchester with husband Jabu, 35, they are both charity workers, and their children Josiah, seven, and Mimi Raie, five.
She can make £400 for a few hours as a lookalike and says: "When Prince Harry announced his engagement my life changed overnight. All of a sudden my husband and friends were telling me I resembled his bride-to-be but I had to google Meghan to see what all the fuss was about.
"I went from being a typical school-run mum to being stopped half a dozen times a day by strangers asking for selfies, or people on social media contacting me.
"I didn’t plan to try lookalike work but I started getting contacted by lookalike agencies and journalists. "Now I’m inundated with offers from around the world.
"I’ve been booked for bridal shows, modelling jobs and photoshoots. At first the shoots were daunting, as people adore Meghan and I don’t want to disappoint.
"I used to want to be blonde and didn’t like my nose or smile, but Meghan has changed that and taught me to love my features.
"She is just so effortlessly lovely and beautiful. To see my similar nose on her face or my similar smile on a magazine cover is life-affirming.
"I’m the same height, size and colouring as Meghan. Buying clothes is so much easier now because I just check what she is wearing. It saves huge amounts of time.
"I work for a charity, working with young people, and Meghan does a lot for charity too. Plus, I do acting on the side and Meghan’s work as an actress is amazing.
"I don’t have the same heritage as Meghan — I am Caucasian. My skin colour comes from Spanish ancestry.
"But my husband is black and I am proud my children have a mixed heritage, as I am sure Meghan will be if and when she has children with Harry."
Nicole Butcher
Nicole, 23, lives in Angel, North London, and is about to start work with BA.
She says: "I first heard of Meghan when she starred as Rachel in Suits and people told me I looked like her. I’d never seen the programme until then.
"I was in a bar once and a guy paid for my drinks all night because he was a fan of the show and had a crush on Rachel.
"He was the first person who told me I looked like Meghan but as the show became well known I got more comments about how similar we look.
"When Meghan was pictured with Harry for the first time I started getting messages every day on Instagram and Facebook from strangers and people who I’ve not seen in ages telling me I look like her.
"Meghan is gorgeous so it’s amazing to be compared to her.
"I’ve just been signed by an agency so I’m excited about what work might come along. I couldn’t believe it at first when they got in touch.
"I did some child modelling so it will be great to get back into it if I can.
"My main focus is my new job with British Airways but doing photoshoots as Meghan, or any other work which comes up, is a good way to keep busy too.
"Meghan has good taste in men and Harry is my type. He’s witty and charming and I think it’s amazing that someone mixed-race is joining the Royal Family."
COLLEEN PHELAN
Colleen, 32, from Bromsgrove, Worcs, is a single mum to daughters Ella, 13, and Beau, ten.
She says: "I have just signed up with Susan Scott Lookalikes — I used to model in my early 20s and hope to get work now following the announcement of the engagement. I would love to ‘be’ Meghan at charity events and bridal shows.
"After the engagement Meghan pictures were everywhere and my mum kept telling me my profile and face looked like hers.
"I realised I already wore the same coloured clothes as Meghan does and did my hair and make-up the same.
"I work out and my slim shoulders and arms are another characteristic we have in common. I have been practising Meghan’s favourite hairdos and watching her in Suits. I love the fact she is so natural and seems to really love appearing with Harry.
"I own my own jewellery business and looking like the royal bride-to-be does help to sell engagement rings. A lot of people have been coming in and asking for bespoke rings like Meghan’s.
"Another bonus is that I am getting asked out more by men who tell me I look like Meghan. I have been single for two years and hope to use this chance to find my own Prince Charming.
"I want to make the most of this time when the way I look is fashionable and desirable. It’s time for natural, no-fuss-looking girls to shine, just like Meghan."
Danielle Bourne
Single mum Danielle, 38, lives with son Kayden, five, in Wallington, Hants.
She says: "For me, the royal engagement has come along at just the right time.
"I got made redundant from my job doing admin for a major hairdressing chain but fortunately my Meghan work will help to pay the bills.
"I’d especially love to be a decoy double if the royals ever need to give the media the slip and I’m considering taking lessons in the field of security.
"I am also talking to wedding dress designers about modelling their gowns and I would love to model a range of jewellery.
"I have signed with Susan Scott and I’m going to buy website names with Meghan in them to help promote myself. I also plan to blog about my experience as a Meghan double.
"I know it’s important to have a social media presence so I am talking with friends who are experts about that with the hope of getting more publicity."
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"I hope to earn up to £20,000 in the lead-up to the wedding — that’s the dream. Then I’d love to have a regular income throughout my life as a Meghan lookalike.
"As I got made redundant I really have time to study Meghan’s mannerisms and watch her act to help me refine my Meghan-ness.
"Like Meghan, I’m mixed-race. My dad is from Barbados and my mum is British and friends tell me they are now really jealous of my skin and Meghan glow.
"When she and Harry started dating, my friends and family initially told me we looked alike. I think it’s my nose, which is the same shape, and my skin tone which makes us look similar.
"I am so proud that a girl with mixed heritage is marrying into the Royal Family and can’t wait for the couple to have children."