Meghan Markle Returns to Acting After Eight Years, Seen on Set of New Film ‘Close Personal Friends’

Meghan Markle is officially back in front of the camera. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, was spotted on the set of the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film Close Personal Friends in Pasadena, California, marking her long-anticipated return to acting after nearly a decade away from Hollywood.

Meghan Markle’s Return to the Screen

On November 5, 2025, Markle was photographed filming scenes for Close Personal Friends, wearing a relaxed ensemble that reflected her signature California-chic style — a striped button-down shirt, white maxi skirt, and sandals, accessorized with gold bracelets, a watch, and sunglasses.

According to PEOPLE, an insider confirmed Meghan’s involvement in the project, revealing that she has “a small part” in the film and appeared “very relaxed and happy” on set. “She introduced herself to everyone and was very sweet and down-to-earth,” the insider said, noting that the Duchess made a genuine impression on the crew and cast.

Playing Herself in the Star-Studded Cast

Meghan will reportedly play herself in Close Personal Friends, a star-studded production featuring Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding. The film, produced under Amazon MGM Studios, explores themes of celebrity, authenticity, and friendship within the modern entertainment industry.

A studio source told The Sun that Meghan’s participation represents “a massive moment” for her and “signifies a return to doing what she truly loves.” The insider added that Meghan has received several acting offers in recent years but chose this project because it felt right for her current chapter.

“This is Meghan’s way of gently putting her toe back in the water and seeing how she enjoys being back on set,” the source explained. “Everyone involved is super excited and has been sworn to secrecy about her involvement.”

Support from Prince Harry

Sources close to the couple shared that Prince Harry has been fully supportive of his wife’s decision to re-engage with acting. “He just wants Meghan to do whatever brings her joy,” the insider said. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have lived in California since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in Montecito.

The couple has continued to work on creative ventures through their production company Archewell Productions, including the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan and Meghan’s lifestyle show With Love, Meghan. However, Close Personal Friends marks the Duchess’s first official acting credit since leaving the industry in 2018.

From Suits to the Silver Screen

Before becoming a royal, Meghan was best known for her role as Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits, where she appeared from 2011 to 2018. Her acting career also included guest roles on Fringe and CSI: NY, as well as early work as a briefcase model on Deal or No Deal.

When she became engaged to Prince Harry in late 2017, Meghan publicly announced that she was retiring from acting. In her engagement interview, she described the decision not as a sacrifice but as a natural transition: “I don’t see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change — a new chapter.”

Eight Years Away from Acting

Since leaving Suits, Meghan has pursued a wide range of creative and humanitarian projects. Alongside Prince Harry, she has produced documentaries, launched charitable initiatives, and spoken openly about mental health, equality, and women’s empowerment.

In a 2022 interview with Variety, Markle appeared to rule out a return to acting, saying, “I’m done. I guess never say never, but my intention is to absolutely not.” However, her new appearance suggests she’s open to exploring creative expression again — this time, entirely on her own terms.

A New Beginning in Hollywood

Observers have noted that Meghan’s reemergence on set appears to strike a balance between her public life and private passions. Those close to the Duchess describe her demeanor as grounded and confident, reflecting her evolution from television actress to global public figure and advocate.

The news of her Hollywood comeback has sparked excitement among fans, many of whom have followed her journey since her early acting days. Industry insiders also see her involvement as a potential turning point — signaling that Markle may once again merge her artistic career with her public influence.

A Calm and Confident Comeback

Crew members from the Pasadena set described the Duchess as “completely natural” and “approachable,” noting her professionalism and humility. “She didn’t act like someone who’s been away for years,” one production source said. “She fit right in, like she never left.”

While details about Close Personal Friends remain under wraps, anticipation is already building around Markle’s on-screen return and how her real-life experiences might shape her portrayal in the film.

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