Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has always been vocal about her mixed heritage. Beyond her well-known links to Nigeria and the United Kingdom, she also has family roots in Malta. In 2015, Meghan embarked on a mission to explore her ancestry, uncovering fascinating stories along the way.
Malta: The Birthplace of Meghan’s Great-Great-Grandmother
Meghan Markle’s great-great-grandmother, Mary Bird, was born in Malta during the mid-19th century. Mary’s father, Thomas Bird, served as a private in the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment and lived with his Irish wife on the island of Malta, which was a British colony at the time. In 1862, Mary moved with her family to New Brunswick, Canada, alongside the 22nd Regiment. After Thomas’s reported death, Mary remarried in 1867 and eventually settled in the United States around 1881. Malta is recorded as Mary’s birthplace, and she passed away in 1925 at the age of 63 in the state of New Hampshire. Mary’s daughter, Gertrude, and her husband, Frederick Sanders, were the parents of Thomas Markle’s mother, Doris, who is Meghan’s grandmother.
Meghan’s Maltese roots complement what is known about her Nigerian ancestry, which she revealed during a podcast in October 2022. According to a DNA test, she is “43 percent Nigerian,” and she shared this discovery with an audience during her trip to Nigeria, mentioning her mother, Doria Ragland.
The Whirlwind Trip to Malta
In 2015, Meghan Markle set foot on the picturesque Mediterranean island of Malta. Commissioned by Elle magazine, she wrote about her journey to discover not only the beautiful landscape but also the land from which her great-great-grandmother hailed. During her visit, Meghan explored various locations, including the northern island of Gozo, the capital city of Valletta, the historic city of Mdina, and the charming village of Dingli.
Photographer Kurt Arrigo, commissioned by the Malta Tourism Authority, captured Meghan’s moments as she navigated cobblestone streets, donned traditional Maltese headdresses, and embraced the rich culture and history of the island. Meghan’s smile and chic style were on full display, making her trip a memorable one.
Meghan looked so happy on her holiday in Malta
Nigerian Heritage and a Playful Nod from Prince Harry
Meghan’s quest for identity didn’t stop in Malta. She has also proudly acknowledged her Nigerian heritage, revealing that she is 43% Nigerian. Prince Harry playfully referenced her newly discovered ancestry during an opening speech at the Invictus Games, saying, “Now, I’m not saying we play favorites in our home, but since my wife discovered she’s of Nigerian descent, it’s likely to get a little bit more competitive this year.”
Meghan Markle’s journey from Malta to Nigeria reflects her curiosity, pride in her heritage, and commitment to understanding her roots. Whether exploring the historic streets of Valletta or championing mental health causes in Nigeria, Meghan continues to inspire us with her resilience and grace.
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Source: USA Today
