Meghan Markle, now celebrated worldwide as the Duchess of Sussex, recently opened up about her struggles with self-image during her younger years. Though she’s recognized today as a global style and beauty icon, Meghan admitted she didn’t always feel confident or attractive. In a candid 2022 episode of her Archetypes podcast with actress Mindy Kaling, she revealed that she never considered herself beautiful as a child. “No, oh God, no!” Meghan replied when asked if she saw herself that way growing up.

She described herself as an “ugly duckling,” recalling her frizzy hair, the small gap between her teeth, and how she was often labeled the “smart one” rather than the “pretty one.” Meghan also spoke about feeling isolated, often eating lunch alone and struggling to fit in.

Early Career: Embracing Natural Simplicity

In the mid-2000s, when Meghan began appearing in public as a rising actress, her style reflected a more natural, understated charm. She wore minimal makeup, kept her curly hair loose, and exuded a grounded, approachable energy. Her early red carpet looks showed someone still discovering her personal style—far from the polished royal figure she would later become.