Before she was a Duchess, Meghan Markle was just a regular American wife. What can we learn from her first marriage, and how did it shape her path to royalty? Before stepping into the global spotlight as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was married to American actor and film producer Trevor Engelson. The pair had a 9-year relationship–they met when she was 22, married when she was 30 and divorced when she was about 33. While their marriage did end in divorce, this chapter in Meghan’s life offers insights into life before royalty.
The love story (and “Suits” story) begins
Markle and Engelson met in 2004 when Markle was just 22 years old. They dated for six years before getting engaged in 2010. They tied the knot in a beachfront ceremony in Jamaica in August 2011, with a celebration that lasted several days. At the time, Markle was establishing her acting career, notably starring in the TV series “Suits.” In fact, the first episode of the show had just aired in June of 2011, just months before the wedding.
The challenges of distance and Hollywood careers
Markle’s marriage with Engelson faced increasing strain due to geographical distance and demanding careers. Reportedly, Markle’s role in “Suits” required her to reside in Toronto, while Engelson remained based in Los Angeles for his career. The challenges of maintaining this long-distance relationship, coupled with growing career demands, ultimately led to their separation in 2013. It is alleged that Markle broke Engelson’s heart and was the one to demand the divorce in 2013.
The divorce
Their divorce was finalized in 2014, citing “irreconcilable differences.” There are rumors that the marriage was abruptly ended by Markle, leaving Engelson heartbroken. Other sources say the divorce ended amicably. Regardless of how the divorce was finalized, it serves as a reminder that relationships are complex and can be impacted by various factors.
What does Trevor Engelson do now?
Well, Meghan isn’t the only one who moved on to great things. Trevor allegedly married a multi-millionaire heiress worth $250 mil and is now happily married with a child. There have been rumors that Engelson would potentially write a memoir about his 9-year romance with Markle, but it’s unclear if that’s legitimate. Regardless, he is very successful in his own right. He has been the executive producer on over 10 different movies/TV shows since divorcing Markle.
How Meghan Markle moved forward
After her divorce, Markle continued to focus on her acting career before starting to date Prince Harry in 2016. So, there was a buffer of two years between her divorce and dating Prince Harry. Her new relationship obviously captivated the world. It also sparked lots of abuse, racism, and harassment from the public because of her potential status as Prince Harry’s wife. This stemmed from Meghan being of mixed race and being a divorcee. (It’s a no-no in British Royalty to marry a divorcee).
The bottom line on Markle’s first marriage
Markle’s first marriage provides a glimpse into her life before royal fame. She definitely was still living a life of luxury with her then-husband, who was no stranger to money and fame. The marriage ultimately faced difficulties due to distance and high career demands. Markle and Engelson both moved on to bigger and better things (i.e., the Royal Family and a multi-millionaire heiress) and they are both in seemingly good places!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Meghan Markle’s first marriage
Here are some common questions people are asking about the Duchess’s first love.
Q: How old was Meghan Markle when she got married?
A: Her first marriage was in 2011, when Meghan was 30 years old. Her second marriage (to Prince Harry) was in 2018, when Meghan was 36 years old.
Q: How long was Meghan Markle’s first marriage?
A: Her first marriage to Trevor Engelson lasted about 3 years.
Q: Why did Meghan Markle’s first marriage end?
A: Allegedly, their marriage came to an end because of both of their demanding jobs in Hollywood and the long time spent apart. Their marriage began right as the first episode of “Suits” was airing, so it was just the beginning of Markle’s career taking off.
Nicole Sheehey is the Head of Legal Content at HelloPrenup, and an Illinois licensed attorney. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to prenuptial agreements. Nicole has Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. She has a deep understanding of the legal and financial implications of prenuptial agreements, and enjoys writing and collaborating with other attorneys on the nuances of the law. Nicole is passionate about helping couples locate the information they need when it comes to prenuptial agreements. You can reach Nicole here: Nicole@Helloprenup.com
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