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What to Know About Meghan Markle's Multifaceted Mother, Doria Ragland – And Whether She's Joining Her Daughter and Prince Harry in the UK

Of everyone in Meghan Markle's family, her 69-year-old mother, Doria Ragland, has remained the one consistently close, private presence throughout the Duchess of Sussex's very public life. Here's what to know about her.



Who is Doria Ragland?


Doria Loyce Ragland was born September 2, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, before her family relocated to Los Angeles when she was young. She's the daughter of a nurse and an antiques dealer, and attended Fairfax High School in LA.




What does Doria Ragland do for work?


Ragland's career has spanned several paths. She worked as a makeup artist in the late 1970s, including on the set of the soap opera General Hospital — which is how she met Thomas Markle Sr., a lighting director working in the same industry. The two married in 1979 and had Meghan in 1981, before divorcing in 1987. According to The Telegraph, Ragland later worked as a yoga instructor. She earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and went on to work as a clinical therapist.



How close is she to Harry, Archie, and Lilibet?


Very. According to HELLO! Magazine, Ragland has been shown in behind-the-scenes family footage swimming with Princess Lilibet and spending time with the children in Montecito.


Will she move to the UK with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?


No — at least not permanently. Following news of the family's relocation, TMZ reported that Ragland will remain in Los Angeles, staying connected to her local yoga community and friendships, and will visit the family in Britain periodically rather than relocate with them.

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