Meghan Markle Will Be Showcased In Royal Network TV Special

suits rachel zane
(Image credit: Image courtesy of USA)

Suits actress Meghan Markle suddenly became one of the biggest names in pop culture back in 2017 when news broke that she was engaged to none other than Prince Harry of the United Kingdom. The idea of a British prince marrying an American actress seemed straight out of a movie, and many were understandably caught up in the couple's story. Their wedding will take place in May, and Fox is celebrating the event with a two-hour special all about Markle, called Meghan Markle: An American Princess.

Meghan Markle: An American Princess will air on Friday, May 11 at 8 p.m. ET on Fox and focus on Markle as the first American to marry into the British royal family since way back in 1937, when Edward VIII chose to abdicate the throne in order to marry an American socialite. Queen Elizabeth won't require Harry to give up any titles to marry Markle; in fact, Markle will likely gain some titles of her own, although she won't be known as "Princess Meghan." The Fox special will chronicle Markle's life from before she met Harry up to her looming royal nuptials, which will take place on May 19.

Although Meghan Markle was best-known for her role as Rachel on Suits prior to her romance with Prince Harry, she has also been a passionate activist. The An American Princess event will examine how her activism and her career will impact her position as the newest member of the royal family. We already know that Markle has had to adopt a certain pose for photos as a future royal and her new status has included self defense training; An American Princess will presumably share more of Markle's story and the romance with Harry that hasn't been widely shared to this point.

The special will also include interviews from a number of knowledgeable sources, including Meghan Markle's half-sister, who has already had some choice words about Harry and what the marriage means for both families. British broadcast journalist Piers Morgan will weigh in on on how Markle will need to adjust to life in a royal household. Prince Harry's biographer shared her thoughts, as has Princess Diana's former butler. The butler won't have much to say about Markle's life, but he will share some memories of Harry's childhood with his mother. Meghan Markle: An American Princess will feature input from some of Markle's past co-stars and fellow students, among others.

This Fox special isn't the only American TV event to celebrate Meghan Markle's upcoming nuptials with Prince Harry. In some of the least surprising news of 2018, Lifetime announced back in January that an original movie based on the romance is in the works. Murray Fraser and Parisa Fitz-Henley will play Harry and Markle, respectively.

Be sure to tune in to Fox on May 11 at 8 p.m. ET if you want to catch Meghan Markle: An American Princess ahead of the royal wedding on May 19. For more viewing options, be sure to swing by our midseason TV premiere guide and our 2018 Netflix premiere schedule.

Laura Hurley
Senior Content Producer

Laura turned a lifelong love of television into a valid reason to write and think about TV on a daily basis. She's not a doctor, lawyer, or detective, but watches a lot of them in primetime. CinemaBlend's resident expert and interviewer for One Chicago, the galaxy far, far away, and a variety of other primetime television. Will not time travel and can cite multiple TV shows to explain why. She does, however, want to believe that she can sneak references to The X-Files into daily conversation (and author bios).