Meghan Markle makes her acting comeback in 'Close Personal Friends'

Meghan Markle is returning to her acting roots after seven years away from the screen. The Duchess of Sussex has joined the cast of Amazon MGM’s upcoming comedy “Close Personal Friends”, alongside Lily Collins, Brie Larson, Jack Quaid and Henry Golding.

Directed by Jason Orley, the film follows an ordinary couple who befriend a famous pair during a trip to Santa Barbara. 

The area is reportedly not far from Markle’s home in Montecito, California, where she lives with Prince Harry and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

The Duchess will reportedly appear as herself in a small cameo.

According to “The Sun”, Markle was recently spotted on set in Pasadena, California. A source told “People” that she looked relaxed and happy during filming and was “very sweet and down-to-earth,” introducing herself to everyone on set.

“This is a big moment for Meghan and a sign that she’s returning to what she truly loves,” another insider shared. “She’s received many offers over the years, but this one felt right. It’s her way of easing back into acting to see how she feels about being on set again.”

The cameo marks Markle’s first acting role since she left “Suits” in 2017, where she played paralegal Rachel Zane before stepping away from Hollywood ahead of her engagement to Prince Harry.

At the time, she explained in their joint engagement interview with “Page Six” that it wasn’t a sacrifice but a new direction in life. 

“I don’t see it as giving anything up, I just see it as a change,” she said then. 

“It’s a new chapter. Right. And also keep in mind, I’ve been working on my show for seven years. So we’re very very fortunate to be able to have that sort of longevity on a series and for me, once we hit the 100-episode marker I thought, you know what, I have ticked this box and I feel really proud of the work I’ve done there and now it’s time to, as you said, work as a team with you,” she added, referring to Prince Harry.

Prince Harry is said to be fully supportive of his wife’s decision. “He just wants Meghan to do whatever brings her joy,” a source said.

The Duchess has kept busy in recent years with various projects, including the upcoming launch of her lifestyle brand “As Ever”. The brand is set to release its 2025 Holiday Collection, which she teased in a recent Instagram video.