She may live in London now, but up until recently, Meghan Markle was a true-blue California girl. Sure, she lived in Toronto for part of the year when she was shooting Suits, but the Duchess of Sussex is nothing if not a West Coast (American) girl at heart. "I was born and raised in Los Angeles, a California girl who lives by the ethos that most things can be cured with either yoga, the beach, or a few avocados,” she once wrote on her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig.
And to put it ineloquently, we'd like to say: Ain't that the truth.
It goes without saying that Meghan Markle has seemed to transition from her role as commoner to member of the British royal family seamlessly. In every formal appearance she makes, the Duchess of Sussex has class, grace, and an unmatched elegance. But if we're being honest, Meghan seems most like herself when she's outside in the sunshine in a laid-back environment. Just like home!
Although we're never going to see Meghan and Prince Harry romping around the beach in cut-off shorts and flip flops, clutching wrinkled magazines in their royal hands, on occasion, we do seem to see Meghan in her element. And that element is most definitely the sun.
From royal playdates to beach meet-and-greets, here are 20 times Meghan Markle had fun in the sun. You can take the girl out of California …
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
Archie's Outing
Remember when Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton had a royal playdate recently at a polo club? Looks like Meghan — and Archie Harrison — were feeling the vibe!
Beachy Keen
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were in Australia, Meghan seemed completely at home the whole time. Girl loves being near a beach.
Flower Power
Is this the face of a woman who loves being on the beach or what? Meghan absolutely shines when she's near the water.
Smiley
Sun's out … smiles out. Meghan looked happy as a clam during her visit to New Zealand — we're guessing it was because of the weather.
Picture Perfect
She's elegant. She's classy. She's poised.
And she's also happiest in the sun.
Vacation Vibes
See that smile on Meghan's face?
It's because she's with her love in the sun.
Beach Babe
There she is! On the beach, exactly where she belongs. Meghan was super happy to be on sand when she visited Australia.
Happy Greeting
Normally, greeting thousands of fans isn't exactly relaxing, but so long as there's sun out, Meghan is all good.
Sporty Spice
Outside in a sleeveless dress, enjoying a little sport? Of course the Duchess of Sussex is happy in this photo.
Oh, Hey There
Of course, anyone would be excited to meet a koala, but when said meeting takes place under the sun, it's extra special.
Solar Powered
Hanging out with loads of kiddos at the start of your pregnancy? Rough. But doing it when it's sunny out? Manageable.
Wedding Chic
How pretty did Meghan look at her first proper English wedding last year? It's almost as if the sun was shining right down on her.
Off Duty
She may have been off-duty in this photo at a polo match, but it's obviously that Meghan is having big fun in the sun.
Walk About
Seems like Meghan is always extra happy when the weather is warm and the sun is shining. Coincidence? We think not.
Greetings
Few people are ready to go after a long flight. But hey, when there's sun out, it's much easier to put on a happy face.
Woo Hoo!
Look at the look on the duchess's face here. Pure joy!
Thanks, sun!
Sunny and Chic
At Prince Charles' 70th birthday garden party celebration, Meghan looked totally in her element. Gorgeous!
Having a Laugh
At the 2018 Trooping the Colour, Meghan found time to have a laugh on the Buckingham Palace balcony with Prince Harry.
Of course she did! The weather was nice!
Polo Babe
When Meghan watched Prince Harry play in the Sentebale Polo Cup, she was as happy and relaxed as it gets.
Bestie Time
Wimbledon, sister-in-law time, and sun.
No brainer. The duchess was in heaven.
