DIY Duchess

How to become Meghan Markle in five easy steps.

Anabel Mendoza

Image by Emma Kumer / North by Northwestern

Before becoming part of the royal family, Meghan Markle was just one of the ‘Cats. From eating at the Burger King in downtown Evanston to dancing for 30 hours at DM, Markle enjoyed many of the same activities NU students love today. But how did she get to be BFFs with the Queen? Perhaps it was a magical spell cast on the Whoppers or maybe a fairy godmother that led her to Prince Harry. Let’s follow in her footsteps to find out!

What team? Wildcats.

If you want to be royalty, you’ve gotta act like royalty. At Northwestern, Markle double-majored in theatre and international studies, calling herself a “theatre nerd.” Time to channel your inner Troy and Gabriella and try out for a leading role. Your theater training will certainly impress Her Majesty!

Kappily Ever After

In 1999, Markle volunteered at the Chicago nonprofit The Glass Slipper Project with a group of her Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority sisters. The organization provides thousands of high school girls with formal dresses, shoes and accessories that they otherwise would not be able to afford. Giving back is a quality of truly regal individuals.

North to South

Though Markle has long since graduated, she was not immune to the tedious pain of walking from north to south campus when she was a student. In fact, when Markle visited campus in 2014 to discuss her role in the drama series Suits, she recalled “the schlep of getting to south campus from up north.” Being part of the royal family requires stamina, so what better way to prepare for a busy, fast-paced life with the Queen than to run back and forth between Tech and the Arch.

Burger Kings and Queens

Buckingham Palace is only a Whopper away. From classic fries to the Creamy Mayo Double Cheeseburger, Burger King was one of Markle’s late-night favorites. She even gives the fast food joint credit for helping her gain the freshman fifteen. Gather your friends and head over to BK – your royal feast awaits!

Dancing Queen

Next stop: the dance floor. During the 26th year of Northwestern’s Dance Marathon, Markle joined nearly 500 of her fellow Wildcats for 30 hours of dancing and fundraising for Gilda’s Club Chicago. Tie those shoes and get to dancing! One day you might be showing off those moves at your royal wedding.