We chart the life of Meghan Markle — beginning with her early years through to the royal engagement…

Kate Jackson5-6 minutes 12/2/2017

MEGHAN MARKLE was born ready for stardom, a smiler in front of the lens before she could even say “cheese”.

We take you through the life of this extraordinary young woman who has so quickly become a focus for the affections of the nation.

Glamorous.... bringing a helping of Hollywood magic to the royal family — Glamorous…. bringing a helping of Hollywood magic to the royal family

We chart the 36-year-old actress’s life through poignant snaps, beginning here with her early years with mum Doria, now a social worker, and dad Thomas, who worked as a lighting director.

More childhood snaps show her in her bedroom at home in Hollywood, surrounded by toys and Sesame Street posters.

Given her background, a career in showbiz was always on the cards.

Her father’s TV success paid for Meghan to attend the Hollywood Little Red School House.

Pet Pooch... dog-lover toys with four-legged pal in 2013 — Pet Pooch… dog-lover toys with four-legged pal in 2013

Former pupils include Liz Taylor and Judy Garland.Every day after school Meghan would go and see Thomas at work, on the set of hit sitcom Married With Children. Bringing a helping of Hollywood magic.

After leaving Little Red, she went to the all-girl Immaculate Heart High School, where fees are upwards of £12,000 a year.

Here she honed her acting skills in school plays and got an early taste of celebrity as she was elected as Prom Queen.

Outside the classroom she travelled the world with her mum — who split from her dad when Meghan was six.

Call of fame... Meghan in 2003 photoshoot — Call of fame… Meghan in 2003 photoshootCredit: Xposure

Doria even took her to visit slums in Jamaica, which would inspire Meghan’s later charity work in struggling areas of the world such as Rwanda.

Careerwise, Meghan’s sensational looks helped her land her first TV job — holding up a briefcase on American game show Deal Or No Deal.

Then came her big break in 2011, playing Rachel Zane on the US legal drama Suits, which oozed stylishness.

A keen follower of fashion, Meghan is loyal to a number of designers, including good friend Misha Nonoo who is one of a couple of women rumoured to have been Meghan and Harry’s mystery matchmaker last summer.

Now Britain can’t wait to see the helping of Hollywood magic she will bring to the staid House of Windsor.One thing we do know though, whatever she achieves in her future life with Harry, the camera will love it.