Is Meghan Markle Jewish? Her People Say No — But Internet Says Maybe.
Image by Getty Images
(JTA) — Is Meghan Markle, an American actress and the girlfriend of the British royal Prince Harry, a member of the tribe?
An article in the British tabloid Daily Express — which has been cited by the likes of Vanity Fair, Elle UK, Tablet and many others — claims that Markle’s father is Jewish.
The story also says that a spokesperson for Westminster Abbey, the historic London church where British royals get married, confirmed Markle’s Jewish background.
Unfortunately for those who would love to see a Jew marry into British royalty, this claim appears to be untrue. Duncan Jeffery, Westminster Abbey’s head of communications, told JTA Wednesday that the church never said that Markle was Jewish.
“[Markle’s Jewishness] is merely conjecture,” Jeffery said.
Markle, who is best known for her role in the USA Network drama “Suits,” was previously married to Jewish producer Trevor Engelson from 2011 to 2013. As Tominey notes, the pair had a Jewish wedding in Jamaica.
Markle’s father is Irish and her mother is African-American, according to Chantal Artur, her publicist.
Nonetheless, we’d like to say “Mazel tov!” to Meghan and Prince Harry even if they aren’t actually engaged yet.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
