Meghan Markle’s old birthday reflections are back in focus as the Duchess of Sussex turns 45. Years before her marriage into the British royal family, the former actress shared a personal post on her lifestyle blog, The Tig, that now feels strikingly timely. According to People Magazine, Meghan wrote the entry in August 2016, just weeks after meeting Prince Harry. At the time, their relationship was still private. But her words about joy, adventure and growth now stand out as an early sign of the major shift that was already underway.
Meghan Markle Wrote About Joy at 35
In the 2016 post, Meghan framed birthdays as a fresh start, echoing advice from her mother, Doria Ragland. “My mom has always said that birthdays are your own personal New Year. Your own chance to make resolutions just for yourself and what you prognosticate for your year ahead,” Meghan wrote. She then described a moment of deep contentment rather than a long wish list. “I am feeling so incredibly joyful right now, so grateful and content that all I could wish for is more of the same,” Meghan wrote.
Prince Harry Had Entered Her Life Weeks Earlier
That message landed at a key moment. Meghan and Prince Harry had their first date on July 3, 2016, at Soho House in London. They met again the next day, and their connection moved quickly from there. Later that summer, the couple spent time together in Botswana, a trip that became part of their early love story. In that context, lines about wanting more adventure, more growth and more “cheeky jokes” take on fresh meaning, especially since the romance had not yet been made public.
The Tig Also Held a Personal 2014 Birthday Essay
The 2016 entry was not the only birthday post Meghan used to mark a turning point. In a 2014 essay for The Tig, she reflected on self-worth, happiness and the pressure she felt in earlier years. “I am 33 years old today. And I am happy. And I say that so plainly because, well…it takes time,” Meghan told People Magazine. She also recalled a casting director once telling her, “You need to know that you’re enough. Less makeup, more Meghan.” The message became central to how she described confidence and identity.
Meghan Markle Likely Marks 45 With Family
Now, Meghan is expected to spend her 45th birthday with Prince Harry and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Her public approach to birthdays has changed over the years, from blog essays to social media updates on Instagram after returning to the platform in early 2025. She has recently used that space to share family moments, including birthday tributes for her children. This year’s milestone also brings renewed attention to the words she wrote before royal life began, when a private romance was just starting to reshape her future.
