Meghan Markle's past as an actress in the television series Suits resurfaced in public debate this week, after comments from Eliza Roberts suggested the royal family had concerns about her on-screen roles even before her marriage to Prince Harry, underscoring longstanding tensions between Hollywood visibility and royal expectations.
Roberts, the wife of actor Eric Roberts, told the Daily Mail that Markle's portrayal of Rachel Zane in the legal drama raised eyebrows within the monarchy due to its tone and content. "It's tricky because of the monarchy. Her role in Suits was very sultry. Her making love with another man, that was just - they've never seen anything like that," Roberts said.
The remarks offer a glimpse into the cultural friction that accompanied Markle's transition from an American actress to a senior member of the British royal family. The monarchy has historically maintained a tightly controlled public image, making Markle's entertainment background an unusual departure from precedent.
Markle, who spent years building a career in the U.S. entertainment industry, became widely known through Suits, where she played an ambitious paralegal pursuing a legal career. The show's global reach helped establish her public profile prior to her engagement to Prince Harry in 2017.
Despite reported concerns, Roberts framed Markle's career trajectory in positive terms, emphasizing both her work ethic and the scale of her professional sacrifice. "She worked so hard to get there. That was just too much. Women don't give up their jobs for a marriage anymore. I understand the intention, and she thought she'd be satisfied with doing good works in the world. But she needs to be acting. She is a young woman who needs to be acting. Meghan is a star. From the second you see her, she just has star quality. It doesn't matter. It was always going to happen," she said.
Roberts further suggested that Markle's return to acting may be inevitable, reflecting a broader sentiment among some in her professional circle. "It is time. And Meghan needs to come back to work. I feel like her whole family will support it, and she is amazing," she added.
