He remarked that she “already possessed star quality” at that time.

Meghan Markle

(Image credit: Getty)
While we are familiar with the Meghan Markle of today—or at least we think we are—what was she like as a young girl, long before the fame and royal wedding? According to her cousin Shawn Johnson, as quoted by The Mirror, Meghan “cared for everyone” and handled challenges with grace, noting that she was “remarkably mature for her age.”

Meghan Markle at a curling training session in a Sentaler coat

Meghan displayed maturity from an early age, her cousin observed.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Meghan grew up in Los Angeles’ View Park-Windsor Hills area, The Mirror reports, and spent much of her childhood with her mother, Doria Ragland, after Ragland and Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, divorced when she was six. At the age of nine, Meghan moved in with her father while her mother pursued her career, the report adds.

Johnson described Meghan as “kind” and told The Daily Mail, “She had an infectious personality, and even as a child, she looked out for everyone and made sure we were all doing well.”

Meghan Markle portrait 2024

He also mentioned her strong sense of responsibility within the family.

(Image credit: Misan Harriman)

Relationship expert Louella Alderson explained to The Mirror that Meghan is often characterized as “confident, independent, and driven.” These qualities, Alderson noted, likely contributed to her early maturity. “Her natural leadership abilities and proactive nature may have inspired her to grow up quickly in order to face challenges and achieve her goals. Additionally, her upbringing likely played a significant role in shaping her maturity.”

Meghan attended Hollywood Little Red Schoolhouse before enrolling at Immaculate Heart High School. Alderson commented, “Attending an all-girls private Catholic school could have exposed Meghan to strong female role models, fostering her independence and maturity. Such schools often provide a disciplined environment, which may have further nurtured these traits.”

Meghan Markle at the Variety Women of Power event

Her cousin remarked that Meghan always had a unique charm.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Alderson added that, as with many children of divorced parents, Meghan’s family circumstances likely influenced her personality: “Her parents’ divorce may have required her to take on additional responsibilities and adapt to changes, which can accelerate maturity. Co-parenting by both parents might have given her a broader perspective on relationships and conflict resolution. Alternating between households likely exposed her to varying values and expectations, further shaping her maturity. Ultimately, Meghan’s early maturity seems to result from a combination of genetics and life experiences.”

In addition to her maturity, Johnson noted that Meghan was “always incredibly sweet” and “radiated star quality from a young age.”