When cameras caught the look of pure happiness and pride on the face of Duchess Meghan’s mother at her royal wedding to Prince Harry, it’s safe to say our hearts melted.
From that point on, Doria Ragland became known as our Queen of Hearts.
There’s no mistaking the 64-year-old for the powerhouse she is: just look at how incredibly poised and caring her only daughter Meghan is – that kind of person can only have been raised by the best.
The mother and daughter duo have certainly already left a strong impression on the royal family. Before Duchess Meghan departed the royal family, in September 2018 Doria attended the launch of Meghan’s charity cookbook at Kensington Palace – an unprecedented move given non-royal family members traditionally don’t join royals on official engagements.
And now, as her daughter celebrates the safe arrival of her second child, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, you can guarantee that Doria will be right by her side.
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Indeed since Meghan and Harry relocated to America, Doria has been a constant pillar of strength and support to the young family, helping with babysitting duties with her grandson Archie.
The social worker lives in Park-Windsor Hills in LA, which is about an hour-and-a-half drive away from Meghan and Harry’s home in Santa Barbara.
Meghan and Harry’s daughter was born on June 4th at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California and there’s no question Doria will be a key figure of support as the Sussexes navigate life with two young children.
In light of this, we decided to explore who the new Duchess’s inspiring mother is, what she stands for and how she has got to where she is.
Keep scrolling for all things pertaining to our new Queen of Hearts, Doria Ragland.
After the birth of Archie in 2019, Doria stayed with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Frogmore Cottage to help with the newborn. And there’s little doubt she’ll be on call do to it all again as the Sussexes settle into life with their newborn daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.
She’s a “free spirited role model” according to Meghan
It’s no secret Doria and her daughter are close, and the Duchess of Sussex has discussed her kind nature in past interviews.
Meghan previously said of her mum: “For me to watch this level of lifelong sensitivity to nurturing and caregiving, but at the same time my mum has always been a free spirit.”
“She’s got dreadlocks and a nose ring. She just ran the LA Marathon. We can just have so much fun together, and yet, I’ll still find so much solace in her support.”
Raised Meghan to give back
She raised Meghan to give back
Taking to her former blog, The Tig, the Duchess wrote of her parents: “Both my parents came from little, so they made a choice to give a lot… performing quiet acts of grace – be it a hug, a smile, or a pat on the back to show ones in need that they would be alright.”
“This is what I grew up seeing, so that is what I grew up being,” she wrote.
Doria Ragland: facts to know about Duchess Meghan’s mum
Nickname for Meghan
She has an adorable nickname for Meghan
Meghan also revealed on The Tig that Ragland calls her ‘Flower’. The blog post discussed Doria’s influence on Meghan to be a global citizen: “I must have been about 10 years old when we visited the slums of Jamaica. I had never seen poverty at that level and it registered in my glazed brown eyes. ‘Don’t look scared, Flower,'” she said. “‘Be aware, but don’t be afraid.’,” the Duchess wrote.
Makeup artist
Doria was a makeup artist back in the day
According to Refinery29, Ragland trained to be a makeup artist, which coincidentally was how she met Meghan’s father Thomas. The pair were working on the set of General Hospital where Thomas was working as a lighting technician and cinematographer.
social worker
She worked as a social worker at a mental health clinic in LA
Meghan has said of her mum: “She works specifically with the geriatric community.” If her kind-hearted nature is anything to go by, working in this field is a great fit for Doria.
She’s got some serious style game
This gallery alone should be enough to prove the Duchess of Sussex’s mum is winning in the style stakes. From her soft green outfit at the royal wedding to this chic beige ensemble she wore to Meghan’s charity cookbook launch at Kensignton Palace. Safe to assume we’ll be taking fashion cues from this muse for years to come!
Yoga instructor
She’s a serious yogi
Doria has also been a yoga instructor, and her love for the practice has been passed onto her daughter. Meghan previously told Women’s Health that yoga was in her blood: “I love an intense vinyasa class – and even better if its blasting hip-hop and done in a dark room with candlelight,” she told the publication.
Favourite royal wedding moment
Her favourite part of the royal wedding was meeting Queen Elizabeth II
A source revealed to Us Weekly that Doria’s highlight from the big day was meeting the Queen: “It would have been extremely intimidating for anyone, but Meghan and Harry really did a marvellous job of preparing her [with] what to expect,” the source said.
Prince Harry a fan
Prince Harry is a big fan
The ginger Prince has been outspoken on his “amazing” mother-in-law in the past. In the royal couple’s engagement interview, Harry gushed about Doria, saying they had spent a lot of time getting to know each other. “Her mum’s amazing,” he said.
She has friends in high places
When Oprah attended the wedding of Meghan and Harry back in May 2018, rumours about the talk show queen’s relationship with Doria were rife. Oprah revealed that Meghan’s mum had come to her house where they had discussed doing yoga together. Oprah also provided her with a basket of kumquats!
As for the interview between the pair? Oprah neither confirmed nor denied, saying: “For all of the people who said I am getting her gifts and I’m trying to bribe her for an interview – they were kumquats. If kumquats can get you an interview, I’m all for it!”
Prince Charles
She gets along well with Prince Charles.
At the royal wedding, Prince Charles and Doria seemed to get along swimmingly, with the future King chatting away to the bride’s mother after the ceremony. Charles also led Doria and his wife Camilla down the stairs outside the chapel, linking arms with both ladies.
