• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • Culture

Meghan Markle returns to her acting roots in visit to National Theatre

1:59
New calls issued for end to social media abuse of Duchesses Kate, Meghan
Henry Nicholls/Reuters
ByKatie Kindelan
January 30, 2019, 2:54 PM

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, returned to her acting roots in her first official visit to the National Theatre since succeeding Queen Elizabeth II as its patron.

The Duchess of Sussex seemed right at ease with fellow actors as she watched a performance, took part in a workshop and met with actors and staff.

Queen Elizabeth passed the patronage of the National Theatre on to Meghan after holding the role for 45 years.

Editor’s Picks

Meghan Markle takes over 2 new patronages from Queen Elizabeth

  • Jan 10, 2019

Pregnant Meghan Markle had the perfect response to a woman who called her 'fat lady'

  • Jan 16, 2019

New calls issued for end to social media abuse of Duchesses Kate, Meghan

  • Jan 29, 2019

Meghan, 37, worked full-time as an actress in the U.S. and Canada before she wed Prince Harry last May. She was best known for her role in "Suits," the hit drama in which she played lawyer Rachel Zane.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrives at the National Theatre in London, Jan. 30, 2019.
Henry Nicholls/Reuters

Meghan also grew up around acting and Hollywood. Her father, Thomas Markle, from whom she is estranged, was a lighting director on the hit TV show "Married... With Children."

(MORE: Kensington Palace asks for Instagram's help after social media abuse of Duchesses Kate, Meghan: Report)

The Duchess of Sussex, who is expecting her first child with Prince Harry this spring, paired a blush pink dress and blazer by Brandon Maxwell with a micro Carolina Herrera clutch for her visit Wednesday.

Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrives at the National Theatre in London, Jan. 30, 2019.
Will Oliver/EPA via Shutterstock

The National Theatre is the third charity Meghan has visited since announcing her four patronages earlier this month.

Meghan also took over as patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities from Queen Elizabeth. She is also patron of SmartWorks, a charity that helps women get back on their feet, and Mayhew, an animal charity.

(MORE: Meghan Markle visits women-focused charity after 1st patronages announced)

Meghan's four patronages "reflect the causes and issues with which she has long been associated including the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare," Kensington Palace said in a statement when they were announced.

Related Topics

  • Royal Family

Editor’s Picks

Meghan Markle takes over 2 new patronages from Queen Elizabeth

  • Jan 10, 2019

Pregnant Meghan Markle had the perfect response to a woman who called her 'fat lady'

  • Jan 16, 2019

New calls issued for end to social media abuse of Duchesses Kate, Meghan

  • Jan 29, 2019

Up Next in Culture—

Australian police launch investigation after Ruby Rose accuses Katy Perry of sexual assault, which Perry denies

April 15, 2026

Live Nation illegally monopolized the market for tickets, jury finds

April 15, 2026

How to watch Coachella 2026 live: Kacey Musgraves joins lineup

April 15, 2026

Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep make 'Devil Wears Prada 2' press tour their runway

April 15, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News