13 Times Meghan Markle Reminded Us So Much of Princess Diana

From the moment Meghan Markle stepped into the royal spotlight, she’s been turning heads and making waves. With her signature blend of grace, independence, and fearless authenticity, the Duchess of Sussex has carved out a path all her own—especially now as she navigates life beyond the palace gates. But even as Meghan writes her own story, fans can’t help but notice echoes of another iconic royal: the beloved Princess Diana. Time and time again, Meghan has channeled Diana’s spirit in ways that feel both nostalgic and powerfully modern.

From the moment she said “I do” in May 2018, Meghan Markle made one thing clear: she was here to serve—not just as a duchess, but as a force for good. Much like her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, Meghan has long championed humanitarian causes, using her platform to shine a light on the issues that matter most to her.

But Meghan’s Diana-esque qualities go beyond charity work. Whether it’s her elegant fashion choices, her heartfelt interactions with children, or her down-to-earth parenting style, Meghan often gives us major Princess Di vibes. And it’s not just royal watchers who see the connection—Prince Harry himself has said it best.

“So much of what Meghan is and how she is, is so similar to my mum,” Harry shares in the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan. “She has the same compassion. She has the same empathy. She has the same confidence. She has this warmth about her.”

So in honor of Meghan Markle’s 43rd birthday, we’re looking back at all the moments she reminded us of the one and only Princess Diana.

They Both Had Impactful Tours in Nigeria

In 2024, Meghan Markle embarked on a successful tour of Nigeria with Prince Harry, echoing Princess Diana’s memorable visit to the country back in March 1990.

They Experienced a Similar Trauma

On May 17, reports revealed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were involved in a “near catastrophic car chase” with paparazzi—eerily similar to the incident that tragically claimed Princess Diana’s life.

They Struggled With Royal Protocol

Both reportedly found the British royal family’s strict protocols frustrating, which led them to frequently challenge and break the rules during their time within the Windsor household.

Their Life Beyond the House of Windsor

It’s anyone’s guess what Princess Diana’s life would’ve looked like had she stepped fully outside the royal circle—but chances are, it wouldn’t be too different from the life Harry and Meghan are building today. In the final episode of Harry & Meghan, Prince Harry even mused that his mother might’ve found her way to Santa Barbara, just like he and Meghan did.

But more than the zip code, it’s Meghan’s unwavering commitment to philanthropy and humanitarian work that truly mirrors Diana’s post-royal legacy. Meghan herself acknowledged in the docuseries that if the spotlight is going to follow them regardless, they might as well use it for good—an idea that feels straight from the Diana playbook. And honestly, we think the People’s Princess would be proud.

Their Hands-On Parenting

If there’s one thing both Princess Diana and Meghan Markle have shown us time and again, it’s how deeply devoted they are to their children. Diana was famously affectionate and present with Princes William and Harry, making it clear that no royal duty ever came before being their mom. Meghan brings that same energy into her own parenting.

From carrying baby Archie on her hip during their trip to South Africa to the sweet glimpses we’ve seen of her with both Archie and little Lilibet, Meghan’s hands-on approach is unmistakable. The Netflix series Harry & Meghan further highlights her nurturing presence. And just like Diana, Meghan is fiercely protective. She’s made it a top priority to shield her kids from the public eye, echoing Diana’s efforts to give her sons a sense of normalcy amid the royal chaos. The love, the warmth, the fierce mama bear instincts—it’s a beautiful legacy passed from one generation to the next.

Their Successful Tours of Australia

Following their fairy-tale weddings, both Princess Diana and Meghan Markle kicked off their royal duties with tours of Australia—a long-standing tradition for newlywed royals. All eyes were on the glamorous couples, and neither Diana nor Meghan disappointed. Both women charmed the public, dazzled the media, and cemented their places as powerful forces within the royal family. The tours were undeniable successes and marked the arrival of two unforgettable royal icons.

Their Relationship with the Press

Perhaps one of the most painful parallels between Meghan and Diana is their turbulent relationship with the media—especially the tabloids. Princess Diana was endlessly pursued by paparazzi, her every move splashed across headlines that shifted from admiration to invasion. Sadly, Meghan's experience followed a similar path.

As documented in Harry & Meghan, the world initially embraced Meghan with open arms. But as her royal role grew, the media’s tone shifted—becoming relentless, invasive, and often cruel. Like Diana, Meghan found herself overwhelmed by the spotlight, longing for peace and privacy in a world that refused to look away. Both women ultimately stepped back in hopes of reclaiming control over their own lives.

When They Spoke About Their Humanitarian Work

During a powerful moment on Meghan and Harry’s November 2021 trip to New York City, Meghan sat down with DealBook’s Andrew Ross Sorkin to discuss her advocacy for paid parental leave. When asked if she viewed the issue as political, Meghan replied, “I don’t see this as a political issue, frankly... paid leave, from my standpoint, is just a humanitarian issue.” Her response echoed a sentiment we’d heard decades earlier from Princess Diana.

Back in the mid-’90s, Diana faced criticism that her work—especially her anti-landmine campaign in Angola—was politically charged. But she dismissed that notion with quiet clarity: “I’m not a political figure; I am a humanitarian figure and always have been and always will be.” Meghan’s words reminded us that compassion doesn’t need to be politicized—and that she, like Diana, is guided by a mission to uplift others, no matter the headlines.

When They Meet Kids on Their Level

Some of the most iconic and heartwarming photos of Princess Diana show her kneeling down to connect with children—eye to eye, heart to heart. She never hesitated to show affection, treating even the youngest with warmth, dignity, and genuine care. It’s a beautiful trait that Meghan Markle shares.

Whether she’s crouching beside a child to talk or offering a comforting touch, Meghan consistently mirrors Diana’s tender approach. It’s these small, unscripted moments that remind us of the compassion both women carry—making them not just royal figures, but deeply relatable ones.

When They Called Out the Institution

At one point, both Meghan and Diana felt voiceless within “The Firm”—but that silence didn’t last forever. After stepping away from royal life, each woman found the strength to speak her truth. Diana’s explosive 1995 interview with Martin Bashir revealed just how deeply the monarchy had failed her, admitting she felt unprepared, unsupported, and emotionally isolated.

When They Were Vulnerable About Their Mental Health

While mental health discussions have become more open in recent years, the stigma still lingers—and both Princess Diana and Meghan Markle bravely shattered the silence. Each woman courageously shared her darkest moments, revealing the emotional toll royal life took on them. Despite reaching out to Buckingham Palace for help, both were left to navigate their pain largely on their own.

In Harry & Meghan, Meghan recalled her suicidal thoughts with heartbreaking honesty: “All of this will stop if I’m not here... and that was the scariest thing about it because it was such clear thinking.” Decades earlier, Diana shared similar truths in her landmark interview with Martin Bashir, candidly discussing her suicide attempts. Their vulnerability helped strip away the illusion of a perfect royal life and opened the door for others to speak up about their own struggles.

Their Style Icon Status

It’s no stretch to say that both Meghan Markle and Princess Diana have earned their places as royal fashion icons. Diana’s timeless style still influences wardrobes today, with her effortlessly chic looks inspiring a new generation—including her daughters-in-law.

Meghan, while forging her own unique path, brings a modern elegance to everything she wears. Her wardrobe blends classic silhouettes with contemporary flair, often nodding to Diana in subtle yet meaningful ways. From sleek coats to statement gowns, Meghan continues to set trends, proving that style and substance can go hand in hand—just like Diana did before her.