Meghan Markle’s appearance has sparked makeup trends, cosmetic surgery consultations, and endless online chatter.
What’s surprising, though, is that there was a time she felt overlooked, unsure of herself, and invisible.
She wasn’t born into the spotlight. Meghan Markle wasn’t handed a crown or groomed for red carpet cameras.
School photos. Early red carpets. TV guest spots.
Each image of Meghan tells a different story, and not all of them are flattering.
Her appearance didn’t change overnight. It shifted slowly, across decades.
As photos and headlines trace her journey from obscurity to royalty, the question persists: Is this evolution the result of styling, confidence, and maturity — or something more?
The 90s: ‘Ugly Duckling’ Years and Teenage Isolation
From her early acting days to becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan’s appearance has visibly evolved. Yet, she’s never addressed rumors of cosmetic surgery.
A throwback picture of Meghan Markle, dated April 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan
In a 2022 episode of “Archetypes,” Meghan opened up to Mindy Kaling about growing up feeling anything but glamorous.
Meghan Markle poses with a friend, dated April 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghanAsked if she wasn’t pretty, she immediately replied, “No, oh God, no!” Kaling, shocked, said, “What? That is news to me.” Meghan added, “Ugly duckling.”
A throwback pictures of Meghan Markle with her classmates, dated April 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan
She elaborated, “Look, maybe not conventional beauty as it… Now, maybe that would be seen as beautiful, but massive frizzy curly hair and a huge gap in my teeth. I was the smart one. Forever and ever and ever and ever. And then just sort of grew up.”
A throwback pictures of Meghan Markle, dated March 18, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain’s Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, watch Romania’s Simona Halep playing against Serena Williams during their women’s singles final of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships on July 13, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
According to Greenberg, what made her nose so appealing was its mix of precision and realism. He explained that while not technically perfect, her nose “fits the strong definition of her overall facial appearance.”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend a roundtable discussion on gender equality on October 25, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Meghan officially joined the royal family, the speculation deepened. Speaking to Closer Weekly, Dr. Vartan Mardirossian remarked that her nose looked “more refined and is more rotated.”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the WellChild awards on October 15, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
He added, “These changes are subtle and very natural and are likely the work of a talented rhinoplasty surgeon.”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
But not everyone agreed. Dr. Andrew Miller said, “If she had any work done on her nose, it is just a small amount of tip refining to narrow it slightly and lift it.”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, visits One World Observatory on September 23, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Dr. Adam Hamawy also strongly disagreed with any suggestion of surgery, noting, “Meghan Markle appears to still have the same nose she was born with. She doesn’t look like she has had any plastic surgery to change the mild imperfections that contribute to her natural beauty.”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala on December 6, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
He continued, “Any differences that I’ve seen are easily accounted for by her facial expression, makeup, or lighting.”
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 on September 6, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
While Markle herself remained silent, her first post-wedding public appearances spoke volumes — refined makeup, luminous skin, and a glow that kept the world guessing.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks onstage during the Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen on March 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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Online Speculation: Praise, Curiosity, and Critique
At the Balenciaga show in Paris, her slicked-back bun and crisp white ensemble lit up social media.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks onstage during the 2025 TIME100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
“She lost weight a lot, but still charming lady,” one wrote. Another claimed, “She had work done.” A third one simply appreciated her look without speculating, “She looks so good.”
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex attends the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on October 4, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
One commenter noted, “She’s definitely done some nicely done laser resurfacing and peels. All of her freckles and sun damage is practically gone. Her skin tone is now clear and bright. Would love to know exactly which procedures she’s had. It’s very well done.”
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex attends the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on October 4, 2025 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images
From school hallways to the global stage, the 30-photo journey highlights how much Meghan’s appearance has changed
