Here’s why Meghan Markle is NOTHING like Prince Harry’s identikit ex-girlfriends
TISSUES at the ready - the world’s most eligible bachelor is off the market.
Prince Harry, 32, has reportedly been secretly dating US TV star Meghan Markle for six months after meeting her at the Invictus Games in Toronto earlier this year.
The fifth-in-line to the throne is said to be “besotted” with the 35-year-old actress, best known for her role as Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits.
A source told : “He’s happier than he’s been for many years. He’s in a very relaxed period of his life and Meghan has come along at the right time.”
But royal watchers have noticed that Meghan is VERY different from Harry’s usual type.
The prince’s little black book is stuffed with gorgeous, doll-faced women who all sport blonde tresses.
Harry’s previous platinum-haired conquests include singer Ellie Goulding, actress Cressida Bonas, lingerie model Florence Brudenell-Bruce, pop star Mollie King, TV presenter Caroline Flack and jewellery designer Chelsy Davy.
Meghan is a break from the mould with her dark brunette barnet that she wears in gentle tonged waves – reminiscent of the Duchess of Cambridge.
Born in Los Angeles, Meghan is also the first women to be seriously linked to Harry who isn’t a Brit.
Most of his exes hail from high-society aristocratic families - Cressida is the youngest daughter of Lady Mary-Gaye Cuzon, Florence is related to the 9th Earl of Cardigan and Chelsy’s father Charles is one of the largest private landowners in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Meghan has enjoyed more humble beginnings.
Her mum is an African American travel agent turned yoga instructor (complete with dreadlocks and a nose stud), while her dad is a retired photography director.
Meghan’s great-great-great grandfather was a slave, who took the name Wisdom when slavery was abolished in America.
At 35, Meghan is three years older than Harry. Mollie King and Ellie Goulding were three years younger than the prince during their brief romances, while Cressida was five years his junior.
While many of his exes are just starting their careers, Meghan is an established and well-respected actress.
After studying theatre and international relations at Northwestern University, Illinois, she has starred in a number of shows including 90210, CSI: NY, Knight Rider and the 2011 film Horrible Bosses.
Aspiring actress Cressida only made her theatrical debut two years ago and made a leap into Hollywood last year. Meanwhile, Chelsy decided to give up her law career to start a jewellery line and Mollie is beginning to carve out her own solo career while on a break from her band, The Saturdays.
Meghan is no shrinking violet and is a passionate human rights campaigner.
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She has worked with United Nations , travelled to Afghanistan to support America troops, visited Rwanda on behalf of the charity’s Clean Water Campaign and is a Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada.
Meghan documents her charity work on her account, which has attracted one million followers.
Unlike Harry’s exes – Chelsy, Cressida and Florence have shunned the social media site altogether – Meghan prolifically updates her profile with details on her personal life.
She has shared more than 2,000 photographs that show her holidaying with friends, preparing for photo shoots and hanging with pals Serena Williams and Millie Mackintosh.
Meghan is not afraid to air her political opinions, posting anti-Brexit placards, or document her love of partying.
She also appears to love a tipple sharing snaps of her drinking beer and sipping “rose all day”.
Harry’s ex Ellie is vegan and booze-free, while Caroline Flack gave up sugar and alcohol earlier this year.
While she’s happy to share details on her social life, Meghan remains coy on her relationships.
She married production company owner Trevor Engelson, a 40-year-old production company owner, in 2011 but they divorced two years later for reasons unknown.
She is the first woman that Harry has dated who has been previously married.