Meghan Markle 'breaks silence' on acting role as she's 'excited to be on set for new movie'Meghan reportedly returned to a movie set for the first time in years

eghan Markle is back in front of the camera for a new movie role that marks her first scripted appearance in years.

The Duchess of Sussex is quietly making her return to acting with a small role in the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios ensemble film Close Personal Friends, where she’ll play herself in a brief but buzz-worthy appearance.

On November 5, Meghan was reportedly spotted on set in Pasadena, California. This cameo marks her first official scripted role since leaving Suits ahead of her 2018 marriage to Prince Harry.

According to an insider who spoke to PEOPLE, Meghan made a warm impression on cast and crew alike.

Meghan Markle smiling and looking to the side
Meghan Markle returned to a movie set for the first time in years (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Meghan Markle ‘excited’ to be on set of new movie

“She introduced herself as ‘Meghan,’” the source shared. “Everything about her was very sweet and calm. She genuinely seemed excited to be on set.”

Despite joking that she felt “a bit rusty,” the source noted Meghan had clearly come prepared.

They added: “It was obvious that she had rehearsed and that it was a big deal for her to be back. And she was great.”

The insider added that the duchess “had a very warm energy” and was “super pleasant to be around”.

Close Personal Friends stars Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Jack Quaid, and Henry Golding. The film follows an ordinary couple who, during a trip to Santa Barbara, become entangled with a famous couple.

While Meghan’s role is said to be minimal, insiders describe it as a meaningful step, not just professionally, but personally.

A studio source previously told The Sun: “This is a massive moment for Meghan and signifies a return to doing what she truly loves. It is [her] way of gently putting her toe back in the water.”

The source added that Harry is “really supportive” and “just wants Meghan to do whatever brings her joy”.

Meghan Markle at Paris Fashion Week
The Duchess of Sussex was reportedly “excited” and “prepared” to film her cameo (Credit: Aissaoui Nacer/SplashNews.com)

Meghan Markle’s acting career

Before marrying into the royal family, Meghan was best known for playing paralegal Rachel Zane on USA Network’s Suits. She starred in the hit legal drama for seven seasons.

After stepping back from acting in 2017, she told the BBC in her engagement interview: “I don’t see it as giving anything up, I just see it as a change. I feel really proud of the work I’ve done. Now it’s time to… work as a team with [Harry].”

Since leaving their roles as senior working royals in 2020, Meghan and Harry have built a life in Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Although Meghan declared in a 2022 interview with Variety that she was “done” with acting, her onscreen presence has never fully disappeared.

The duchess has continued to appear in documentary and lifestyle formats, including Netflix’s Harry & Meghan, and her own series With Love, Meghan, which has a holiday special premiering December 3.

Whether Meghan’s brief role in Close Personal Friends sparks a fuller return to Hollywood remains to be seen. But for now, those on set say the duchess seemed right at home.