Just three years ago, Meghan Markle was working as an actress on Suits and enjoying the success of her rising profile – a world away from her current role as the Duchess of Sussex.
The year was 2015 and as part of a feature story with Elle magazine, Meghan was flown out on behalf of the Malta Tourism Authority to the Mediterranean archipelago of Malta to visit the Meridiana Wine Estate.
And now, a rare image from Meghan’s trip has resurfaced, and shows the California-born beauty was always destined for her royal role.
The 37-year-old looks totally in her element as she rubs shoulders with aristocratic figure Marquis de Piro and his wife Frances.
Majesty Magazine’s editor Joe Little took to Twitter to share the incredible photo of Meghan Markle with the couple and it’s like looking into the future!
In the snap, which you can see below, Meghan appears perfectly poised as she stands between the noble couple in the għonnella national head-dress.
Indeed, it’s a true sign that the Duchess couldn’t have been better suited for her position within the British Royal Family.
“In Valletta on Saturday I was shown this pic of the then Meghan Markle with the Marquis de Piro and his wife Frances during her visit to the island in 2015. Meghan, whose great-great-grandmother was born on Malta, wears the għonnella national head-dress. #duchessofsussex,” Little penned alongside the image.
Fans were quick to react to the image.
“What’s so damn incredible about seeing old pictures of pre-Harry Meghan in these roles, it’s like she was born to be Harry’s partner. He couldn’t have picked a better wife to be on the same level as he is when it comes to wanting to help others,” @letsfangirlbout mused.
“She had a full and interesting life before harry. She has been fine without harry. Great girl! She is not an “interloper,” user @@Happy63801613 noted.
“She looks quite regal here,” a third pointed out.
WATCH: Duchess Meghan delivers empowering speech in New Zealand on women’s suffrage. Post continues after the video…
What’s even more amazing is the fact that Malta is a Commonwealth country, which means its national flower was included in Duchess Meghan’s glorious wedding veil earlier this year, which had all 53 Commonwealth countries stitched into it.
Meghan also has personal ties to Malta as her great-grandmother Mary Bird was born on the island in the 1862.
“The trip was mostly about trying to understand where I come from, my identity. There is something so lovely about fitting in a piece of the puzzle,” Meghan told food blog Little Rock during an interview at the time.
Adding: “I’ve been fortunate to travel all over the world and I love a different cultural experience wherever you go, but to come somewhere where you so quickly settle in to feeling welcomed is really special; it’s this Maltese hospitality that is really special to the place.”
“Before I [went], people were telling me, ‘When you go to Malta, everyone will look like you,’ and I started to say, ‘Oh my gosh I do sort of blend in,’ and it’s the loveliest feeling: people have been so kind.”
Duchess Meghan, pictured giving a powerful address during the royal tour of New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, has taken to her royal duties with ease. (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile Meghan’s grandmother in-law The Queen also has a personal connection with Malta after spending several years on the stunning island with Prince Philip following their 1947 wedding.
The Queen and the Duke’s time in Malta has often been referenced as some of the happiest days of their marriage due to the anonymity the island provided them.
“The Princess really loved Malta because she was able to lead a normal life, wander through the town and do some shopping. It was the only place that she was able to live the life of a naval officer’s wife, just like all the other wives,” Queen Elizabeth’s friend and bridesmaid Lady Pamela Hicks explained to The Daily Mail.
The ultimate honeymoon: Princess Elizabeth with her new husband Prince Philip in Malta in 1947. (Image: Getty)
