7 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Meghan Markle’s Mother, Doria Ragland

Meghan Markle recently moved to Canada after she and Prince Harry announced they are stepping down as senior members of the royal family. Although she doesn’t have any family in Vancouver, the duchess is now just a short plane ride away from her mom, Doria Ragland.

So, who is Meghan Markle’s mother? Here, seven things you probably didn’t know about Ragland.

1. She's a social worker

Ragland earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California. She currently works as a licensed social worker who specializes in geriatric patients. Although she previously worked for Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Culver City, California, she resigned shortly after Markle’s May 2018 wedding. Surprise, surprise.

2. She teaches yoga

When she’s not using her degree, Ragland has a side hustle as a yoga instructor. She currently teaches classes in the Los Angeles area, though she’s been keeping a low profile for the past year or so.

Ragland introduced Meghan to yoga at an early age. “Yoga is my thing,” the duchess told Best Health. “My mom is a yoga instructor, and I started doing mommy-and-me yoga with her when I was 7.”

3. She has a sweet nickname for Meghan

Some call her “the Duchess of Sussex.” Meghan’s mother, on the other hand, calls her “Flower.” In an interview with Best Health Magazine, the duchess revealed the unique moniker, saying, “I was very resistant [to yoga] as a kid, but she said, ‘Flower, you will find your practice—just give it time.’”

4. She lives in California with her dogs

Ragland currently resides in the Crenshaw area of Los Angeles in a house she inherited from her father in 2011. Although she isn’t married, she lives with her two dogs, who are probably thrilled to be on the same continent as Prince Harry and Meghan’s pups…for once.

5. Meghan is her only child

The duchess is the only child of Ragland and Thomas Markle. Although Thomas has a son, Thomas Jr., and a daughter, Samantha, from a previous relationship, Ragland has no other biological children. Last year, she was “overjoyed” to welcome her first and only grandchild, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

6. She has bonded with the queen

Prior to Harry and Meghan’s wedding in May 2018, Ragland had tea with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. The get-together took place at the Charles and Camilla’s residence, Clarence House. *Raises pinkie*

7. She's friends with Oprah Winfrey

The pair became friends shortly after Meghan and Harry started dating. The relationship originated when Doria and Oprah bonded over their mutual love of yoga.

“She’s great at yoga, so I said, ‘Bring your yoga mat and your sneaks in case we just want to do yoga on the lawn,’” Winfrey told Entertainment Tonight.

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