Meghan Markle's character, Rachel Zane, bid farewell to the hit show Suits at the end of season 7. In the final episode titled "Good-Bye," Rachel's storyline reached a satisfying conclusion with her marriage to her onscreen love interest, Mike Ross (played by Patrick J. Adams). Both actors departed as regular cast members after season 7. Interestingly, the on-screen happily ever after aired just a few months before Markle herself became the Duchess of Sussex through her marriage to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
Throughout her time on Suits, Markle portrayed Rachel Zane, a determined paralegal working at the law firm Pearson Hardman, later known as Pearson Spencer Litt. Her journey in the series showcased memorable moments such as her triumphant passing of the LSAT and subsequent admission to Columbia Law School in season 2, episode 9, titled "Asterisk." In season 6, episode 14, titled "Admission of Guilt," Rachel further established her credentials by passing the bar exam and officially becoming a licensed lawyer. Undoubtedly, Rachel Zane emerged as a compelling character, displaying a combination of intelligence and wit. Initially overshadowed by her accomplished father, a well-known lawyer, Rachel gradually grew in confidence and developed into an exceptional lawyer herself.
Meghan Markle Left Suits Because Of The Royal Family
Markle's departure from Suits was solely attributed to her affiliation with the British royal family. She initiated her relationship with Prince Harry in 2016, although it wasn't publicly acknowledged until 2017. The royal family carefully manages their public image, often adhering to the "never complain, never explain" philosophy when it comes to media scrutiny and public perception. As a member of the royal family, Markle had to adhere to certain protocols and expectations regarding public disclosures, necessitating her to exercise caution and refrain from public activities outside of approved royal appearances. She even had to shut down her popular lifestyle blog, The Tig.
With these constraints, it became impossible for Markle to continue pursuing her acting career, even as she was gaining recognition for her work. Prior to her breakthrough on Suits, Markle had held minor roles as a background character on TV, appeared in a few independent films, and was a Briefcase Girl on Deal or No Deal. However, given the heightened scrutiny she would face as the Duchess of Sussex, her decision to depart from Suits was the only logical option.
How Meghan Markle Was Written Out Of Suits
After enduring intense scrutiny from the British press, Markle and Prince Harry decided to depart from the UK and establish their new residence in Los Angeles in 2020 (according to ABC News). With Markle's previous involvement in Suits, it becomes genuinely intriguing to see the possibilities of her potential return to the entertainment industry now that they are no longer formally affiliated with the royal family. Nonetheless, any prospects of future ventures in acting shall noticeably rely on her personal choices and priorities in life.
Markle's departure from the television series Suits was not an abrupt decision, but rather a well-thought-out process that involved her trusted friends and the dedicated production team. In 2016, her co-stars and close companions on the show were privileged to be among the first to discover her blossoming romance with Prince Harry. As their relationship advanced, Prince Harry even made appearances on the set, leading to heightened security measures and emphasizing the potential gravity of their connection (according to Marie Claire).
Knowing about Meghan's relationship early on allowed the Suits' writers to strategically strategize Rachel Zane's exit from the show if the relationship blossomed. This forward-thinking approach ensured that Rachel's storyline could be wrapped up neatly rather than hastily concluded. In a fitting manner, the writers decided that the most suitable conclusion for Rachel's character journey was to have her tie the knot with her on-screen partner, Mike Ross (played by Patrick J Adams). This closure not only marked the end of Rachel Zane's story arc but also mirrored the joyful real-life ending in Meghan Markle's personal life.