Meghan Markle returns to her acting roots in visit to National Theatre

Meghan assumed the role of patron of National Theatre from Queen Elizabeth II.

January 30, 2019, 9:54 AM

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, returned to her acting roots in her first official visit to the National Theatre since succeeding Queen Elizabeth II as its patron.

The Duchess of Sussex seemed right at ease with fellow actors as she watched a performance, took part in a workshop and met with actors and staff.

Queen Elizabeth passed the patronage of the National Theatre on to Meghan after holding the role for 45 years.

Meghan, 37, worked full-time as an actress in the U.S. and Canada before she wed Prince Harry last May. She was best known for her role in "Suits," the hit drama in which she played lawyer Rachel Zane.

PHOTO: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrives at the National Theatre in London, Jan. 30, 2019.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrives at the National Theatre in London, Jan. 30, 2019.
Henry Nicholls/Reuters

Meghan also grew up around acting and Hollywood. Her father, Thomas Markle, from whom she is estranged, was a lighting director on the hit TV show "Married... With Children."

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The Duchess of Sussex, who is expecting her first child with Prince Harry this spring, paired a blush pink dress and blazer by Brandon Maxwell with a micro Carolina Herrera clutch for her visit Wednesday.

PHOTO: Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrives at the National Theatre in London, Jan. 30, 2019.
Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrives at the National Theatre in London, Jan. 30, 2019.
Will Oliver/EPA via Shutterstock

The National Theatre is the third charity Meghan has visited since announcing her four patronages earlier this month.

Meghan also took over as patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities from Queen Elizabeth. She is also patron of SmartWorks, a charity that helps women get back on their feet, and Mayhew, an animal charity.

(MORE: Meghan Markle visits women-focused charity after 1st patronages announced)

Meghan's four patronages "reflect the causes and issues with which she has long been associated including the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare," Kensington Palace said in a statement when they were announced.

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