20 February 2024 , 10:40
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Meghan Markle has been described as someone who was "really mature for her age" as a child, with her cousin remembering how she "was always really looking after us".
The Duchess of Sussex grew up in View Park–Windsor Hills, Los Angeles. Meghan spent a lot of her childhood with her mother Doria Ragland after she and Thomas Markle divorced when Meghan was six years old.
The former actress then moved in with her father at the age of nine while her mother pursued a career. Relationship expert Louella Alderson told The Mirror having to "navigate through challenges" and changes in her childhood would have played a part in Meghan's maturity.
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Meghan Markle developed a sense of maturity growing up (TIM STEWART NEWS LIMITED)
Her parents divorced when she was six (Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)Meghan's cousin Shawn Johnson said she was "kind" growing up and told the Daily Mail: "She was infectious with just the way she was and really mature for her age. She was always really looking after us and making sure that we're all doing fine."
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In response, Louella told us: "Meghan is often described as confident, independent and driven. These traits are likely to have contributed to her maturity at a young age, as she was able to take control of situations and make decisions for herself.
"As a natural leader and self-starter, she may have been motivated to grow up quickly in order to achieve her goals and navigate through challenges. Her upbringing may also have played a role in her maturity."
Meghan attended attended Hollywood Little Red Schoolhouse before going to Immaculate Heart High School. Louella said: "Meghan attended an all-girls private Catholic school where she could've been exposed to strong female leaders who may have influenced her maturity and independence. Schools such as these often have a stricter and more disciplined environment, which could also contribute to the development of maturity in students."
The Duchess of Sussex looked after her family (Getty Images)She also said Doria and Thomas' divorce could have influenced Meghan's personality. The expert explained: "Meghan's parents divorced when she was young and this could have also played a role in her maturity.
"Children of divorce can sometimes have to take on more responsibilities and adapt to changes within their family structure, which can lead to them growing up faster than their peers. Meghan was co-parented by both her parents which could have given her a unique perspective on relationships and the ability to communicate and handle conflict maturely. Splitting her time between her parents may also have exposed her to a different set of values and expectations, further contributing to her maturity.
"Ultimately, it's difficult to pinpoint one specific reason for Meghan's early maturity. It's likely a combination of genetic factors and life experiences that have shaped her into the mature individual she was growing up."