Additional Coverage:
Meghan Markle, widely recognized as the Duchess of Sussex and former Hollywood actress, has a rich and diverse heritage that includes a notable Irish connection. While she is known to have African American, Dutch, English, and Irish roots, her Irish ancestry carries an intriguing story.
On February 19, 2021, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Harry and Meghan would step back from their roles as senior working members of the royal family. Since then, their relationship with the royal institution has been under intense public scrutiny, with discussions ongoing about the possibility of reconciliation.
Amid these developments, attention has turned to Meghan’s background, uncovering a lesser-known chapter of her family history. It was revealed that Meghan’s great-great-great-grandmother, Mary Smith, was born in Ireland. In the mid-1800s, Mary moved to London and married Thomas Bird, a British soldier-a union that reportedly led to her being disowned by her family.
In a fascinating twist, historical records suggest that Mary Smith Bird may have been employed at Windsor Castle, as an “M. Bird” is listed as a servant there in 1856. This connection adds a compelling dimension to Meghan’s story, especially considering that her son, Prince Archie, now belongs to the royal lineage.
Following her time in London, Mary and her family relocated several times-first to Malta, where Mary’s granddaughter was born, then to Canada, and ultimately settling in Pennsylvania, USA. The family genealogist uncovered these details, with research conducted by former US Air Force Colonel Ken Barbie, whose wife is related to Meghan’s father.
Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle, who has Dutch-Irish ancestry, is known to have visited Ireland frequently during his lifetime, further reinforcing the family’s ties to the country.
This Irish heritage carries additional resonance for Meghan and Prince Harry, who made an official visit to Ireland in July 2018, shortly after their widely publicized wedding. That trip now holds deeper personal meaning in light of Meghan’s ancestral connections, enriching the narrative of her royal journey.