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Meghan Markle | Source: Getty Images
Meghan Markle | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle Revealed She Considered Herself an 'Ugly Duckling' – The Stunning Transformation of the Duchess in 30 Photos

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Oct 09, 2025
12:21 P.M.

Meghan Markle's appearance has sparked makeup trends, cosmetic surgery consultations, and endless online chatter. What's surprising, though, is that there was a time she felt overlooked, unsure of herself, and invisible.

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She wasn't born into the spotlight. Meghan Markle wasn't handed a crown or groomed for red carpet cameras. School photos. Early red carpets. TV guest spots. Each image of Meghan tells a different story, and not all of them are flattering.

A baby picture of Meghan Markle, dated July 23, 2025 | Source: Facebook/MeghanDuchessOfSussex

A baby picture of Meghan Markle, dated July 23, 2025 | Source: Facebook/MeghanDuchessOfSussex

Her appearance didn't change overnight. It shifted slowly, across decades. As photos and headlines trace her journey from obscurity to royalty, the question persists: Is this evolution the result of styling, confidence, and maturity — or something more?

A throwback picture of Meghan Markle, dated March 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan

A throwback picture of Meghan Markle, dated March 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan

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The 90s: 'Ugly Duckling' Years and Teenage Isolation

From her early acting days to becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan's appearance has visibly evolved. Yet, she's never addressed rumors of cosmetic surgery.

A throwback picture of Meghan Markle, dated April 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan

A throwback picture of Meghan Markle, dated April 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan

In a 2022 episode of "Archetypes," Meghan opened up to Mindy Kaling about growing up feeling anything but glamorous.

Meghan Markle poses with a friend, dated April 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan

Meghan Markle poses with a friend, dated April 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan

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Asked if she wasn't pretty, she immediately replied, "No, oh God, no!" Kaling, shocked, said, "What? That is news to me." Meghan added, "Ugly duckling."

A throwback pictures of Meghan Markle with her classmates, dated April 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan

A throwback pictures of Meghan Markle with her classmates, dated April 8, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan

She elaborated, "Look, maybe not conventional beauty as it... Now, maybe that would be seen as beautiful, but massive frizzy curly hair and a huge gap in my teeth. I was the smart one. Forever and ever and ever and ever. And then just sort of grew up."

A throwback pictures of Meghan Markle, dated March 18, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan

A throwback pictures of Meghan Markle, dated March 18, 2025 | Source: Instagram/meghan

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"I never had anyone to sit with at lunch. I was always a little bit of a loner and really shy and didn't know where I fit in," she said. The years to come would reveal a slow but undeniable shift—one that would turn her into a global beauty icon.

Meghan Markle is pictured with her dad, dated January 7, 2024 | Source: Facebook/MeghanDuchessOfSussex

Meghan Markle is pictured with her dad, dated January 7, 2024 | Source: Facebook/MeghanDuchessOfSussex

2005–2010: First Red Carpets and Camera Awareness

By the mid-2000s, Meghan began appearing at entertainment events. In 2005, she attended a pre-Emmy style lounge, wearing minimal makeup and a relaxed hairstyle.

Meghan Markle during Kari Feinstein Pre-Emmy Style Lounge on September 17, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle during Kari Feinstein Pre-Emmy Style Lounge on September 17, 2005 | Source: Getty Images

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In 2006, she maintained her natural look at press events, showing no drastic change.

Meghan Markle appears on "Deal or New Deal" - season 2 on September 5, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle appears on "Deal or New Deal" - season 2 on September 5, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

But by 2010, at a beauty industry event, her appearance had grown more polished — glossy waves, flawless skin, and a clear understanding of the spotlight.

Meghan Markle attends the Some Kind-a Gorgeous Style and Beauty Lounge on August 26, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle attends the Some Kind-a Gorgeous Style and Beauty Lounge on August 26, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

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2011–2016: 'Suits' and Signature Glow

Her role as Rachel Zane on Suits marked a major turning point. With fame came a more refined, consistent image — contoured cheekbones, sleek hair, and strategic red carpet choices.

Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane on "Suits" on March 3, 2011 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane on "Suits" on March 3, 2011 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle attends the HBO Luxury Lounge Featuring L’Oreal Paris And New Era Cap - Day 1 on January 14, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle attends the HBO Luxury Lounge Featuring L’Oreal Paris And New Era Cap - Day 1 on January 14, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

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By 2013, Meghan's aesthetic leaned minimalist but glamorous. In 2014, at Elle's Women in Television event, she appeared radiant with clean lines and warm-toned makeup.

Meghan Markle arrives at the NBC Universal's 70th annual Golden Globe Awards after party on January 13, 2013 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle arrives at the NBC Universal's 70th annual Golden Globe Awards after party on January 13, 2013 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle attends ELLE's Annual Women in Television Celebration on January 22, 2014 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle attends ELLE's Annual Women in Television Celebration on January 22, 2014 | Source: Getty Images

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At Toronto Fashion Week in 2015, she embraced peach-toned makeup.

Meghan Markle attends World MasterCard Fashion Week Fall 2015 Collections Day 3 on March 25, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle attends World MasterCard Fashion Week Fall 2015 Collections Day 3 on March 25, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

By 2016, her look was firmly established — warm blush, soft definition, and a luminous finish.

Meghan Markle arrives at ELLE's 6th Annual Women In Television Dinner at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 20, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle arrives at ELLE's 6th Annual Women In Television Dinner at Sunset Tower Hotel on January 20, 2016 | Source: Getty Images

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2017–2025: The Nose That Launched Expert Consultations

When Meghan and Prince Harry went public, interest in her appearance reached new heights. It became a global fixation, with both experts and fans weighing in with speculation, particularly about her nose, a feature that sparked a cosmetic frenzy.

Meghan Markle attends the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games Toronto on September 23, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle attends the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games Toronto on September 23, 2017 | Source: Getty Images

New York-based rhinoplasty specialist Dr. David Cangello revealed that Meghan's nose had become a frequent point of reference among his patients. "Overall, her nose balances nicely with the rest of her facial features," he explained.

Meghan Markle arrives at the High Altar for her wedding with Prince Harry in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle arrives at the High Altar for her wedding with Prince Harry in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

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Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg revealed just how extreme the demand had become. "Patients started coming to see me about six months ago, requesting Meghan Markle's nose," he said. "Today, she is probably one of the top — if not the No. 1 — request I get."

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, watch Romania's Simona Halep playing against Serena Williams during their women's singles final of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships on July 13, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, watch Romania's Simona Halep playing against Serena Williams during their women's singles final of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships on July 13, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

According to Greenberg, what made her nose so appealing was its mix of precision and realism. He explained that while not technically perfect, her nose "fits the strong definition of her overall facial appearance."

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend a roundtable discussion on gender equality on October 25, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend a roundtable discussion on gender equality on October 25, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

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Meghan officially joined the royal family, the speculation deepened. Speaking to Closer Weekly, Dr. Vartan Mardirossian remarked that her nose looked "more refined and is more rotated."

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the WellChild awards on October 15, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the WellChild awards on October 15, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

He added, "These changes are subtle and very natural and are likely the work of a talented rhinoplasty surgeon."

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020 | Source: Getty Images

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But not everyone agreed. Dr. Andrew Miller said, "If she had any work done on her nose, it is just a small amount of tip refining to narrow it slightly and lift it."

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, visits One World Observatory on September 23, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, visits One World Observatory on September 23, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Dr. Adam Hamawy also strongly disagreed with any suggestion of surgery, noting, "Meghan Markle appears to still have the same nose she was born with. She doesn't look like she has had any plastic surgery to change the mild imperfections that contribute to her natural beauty."

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala on December 6, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala on December 6, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

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He continued, "Any differences that I've seen are easily accounted for by her facial expression, makeup, or lighting."

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 on September 6, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 on September 6, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

While Markle herself remained silent, her first post-wedding public appearances spoke volumes — refined makeup, luminous skin, and a glow that kept the world guessing.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks onstage during the Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen on March 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks onstage during the Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen on March 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images

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Online Speculation: Praise, Curiosity, and Critique

At the Balenciaga show in Paris, her slicked-back bun and crisp white ensemble lit up social media.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks onstage during the 2025 TIME100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks onstage during the 2025 TIME100 Summit at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 23, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

"She lost weight a lot, but still charming lady," one wrote. Another claimed, "She had work done." A third one simply appreciated her look without speculating, "She looks so good."

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex attends the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on October 4, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex attends the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on October 4, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

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One commenter noted, "She's definitely done some nicely done laser resurfacing and peels. All of her freckles and sun damage is practically gone. Her skin tone is now clear and bright. Would love to know exactly which procedures she's had. It's very well done."

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex attends the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on October 4, 2025 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex attends the Balenciaga Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on October 4, 2025 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

From school hallways to the global stage, the 30-photo journey highlights how much Meghan's appearance has changed.

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