The past year has been somewhat of a rollercoaster for Suits actress, Meghan Markle. And no, we don't mean because of her high profile relationship with Prince Harry.

In the past 12 months, the Californian beauty has penned emotional essays for ELLE UK about her biracial identity and the responsibility of fame, continued filming for her role as Rachel Zane in the hit US TV drama Suits, has spoken at several talks to inspire women to cultivate their career ambitions and became Google's most googled actress in 2016.

Meghan Markle red carpet | ELLE UKpinterest
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In light of her successful year in entertainment, charity work and international campaigns, we look back at the star's most inspirational quotes to date:

'Reflecting on where I came from helps me to appreciate and balance what I have now.' (ELLE UK, 2016)

'You don't have to play dress up to be a feminist. You are a feminist exactly the way you are.' (Create & Cultivate, 2016)

I've never wanted to be a lady who lunches; I've always wanted to be a woman who works. And this type of work is what feeds my soul. (ELLE, 2016)

'There is a myth that those who do humanitarian work have a saviour mentality, but the relationship is reciprocal.' (ELLE UK, 2015)

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'You can be a woman who wants to look good and still stand up for the equality of women.' (Create & Cultivate, 2016)

'Don't try to win the part, just win the room.' (Create & Cultivate, 2016)

'When I get ready to go out, it's half hour and we're out of the door. I don't want to waste time getting ready: I want to go and have fun.' (Esquire 2016)

Meghan Markle | ELLE UKpinterest
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'If you go for a stroll, have a picnic or lunch with a glass of wine – it doesn't get better than that.' (Esquire 2016)

'If my name is going to be on something, I'm going to have my say' (Toronto Sun, 2016)

'Being a feminist and being feminine are not mutually exclusive.' (Create & Cultivate, 2016)

'Don't give it give minutes if you're not going to give it five years.' (Create & Cultivate, 2016)

Women need a seat at the table, they need an invitation to be seated there, and in some cases, where this is not available, they need to create their own table. We need a global understanding that we cannot implement change effectively without women's political participation.(International Women's Day, 2015.)

'To say who I am, to share where I'm from, to voice my pride in being a strong, confident mixed-race woman.' (ELLE UK, 2015)

'I always want off-the-beaten-path, Anthony Bourdain-inspired travel.' (Marie Claire, 2013)

'Be grateful for the little things. That's how you enjoy it. (Create & Cultivate, 2016)

'Women make up more than half of the world's population and potential, so it is neither just nor practical for their voices, for OUR voices, to go unheard at the highest levels of decision-making.' (International Women's Day, 2015.)

'With fame comes opportunity, but it also includes responsibility – to advocate and share, to focus less on glass slippers and more on pushing through glass ceilings. And, if I'm lucky enough, to inspire.' (ELLE UK, 2016)

Snaps for Meghan.


Related posts:

Prince Harry Meets Meghan Markle's Father Sparking Wedding Rumours

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Wear Matching Outfits For Romantic Date In London

Kate Middleton And Princess Charlotte Finally Met Meghan Markle

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Katie O'Malley
Site Director

Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.