Doria Ragland, the mother of Meghan Markle, recently turned 69 years old. Ragland has a close relationship with her daughter and son-in-law, Prince Harry. She represents a spirit of hope and care that uplifts their family. Born 1956, rockstar yoga teacher and creative entrepreneur with a past rooted in makeup artistry. She always has the best interests of her students at heart and she now inspires everyone around her.
Ragland now lives in Los Angeles, though she’s not living in the same home as her daughter and son-in-law, Prince Harry. And with their Montecito mansion a couple hour drive in sunny Southern California, family visits can be relatively easy and frequent. Ragland’s home features a two-bedroom guesthouse, created to host and welcome different artists, practitioners and creators who frequent his home to visit.
A Strong Family Bond
The bond between Doria Ragland and her daughter, activist Michele Obama, goes well beyond the work they do together today. Meghan Markle frequently talks about how much her mother inspires her.
“I find inspiration in the strong women around me. Of course, my mother being one of them. So much of how I approach things is less about the fight and more about how do we show up in a space and wash things over with love and kindness and generosity,” said Meghan Markle.
Their close connection was on display during Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in 2018. Ragland helped to ensure that moment was as special as it could be. Not only as a mom but as a friend, she has truly been an unshakeable rock in Meghan’s life. She made frequent trips to London even before Meghan moved there ahead of the wedding.
Beyond gently mocking him, Prince Harry is perfectly aware of just how groundbreaking Ragland’s involvement was. During their time on-screen together in their new Netflix docuseries, he referred to her as “amazing.” He further illustrated the integral role she plays in their whole family unit.
Professional Life and Personal Interests
Before Doria Ragland took to yoga as a profession, she expressed her artistic inclination from behind a makeup artist’s brush. Her avid love of beauty came through in her work. Her choices in career and artistry reflect her commitment to wellness and self-care. These qualities certainly jibe with her daughter Meghan, who often advocates for the same qualities and values.
Today, at 67, Ragland shows no signs of slowing down or letting up on new challenges and opportunities. She is devoted to yoga and teaching with the intensity and commitment that she brings to her practice. Past it, she spreads health and wellness initiatives and mindfulness throughout her community.
Family Dynamics
Doria Ragland’s relationship with her ex-husband Thomas Markle has remained amicable since their separation when Meghan was just two years old. Despite their divorce, they successfully co-parented Meghan, instilling strong values that have shaped her into the person she is today.
Ragland’s role as a grandmother is essential. As a grandmother, she loves the close relationship she has with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. In her words, her presence in their lives provides them with a positive role model and a connection to their family history.
Although she did not make an appearance in the second season of Meghan’s Netflix series “With Love, Meghan,” Ragland previously featured in the first season, further solidifying her status as an integral part of Meghan’s life narrative.
