Before becoming the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle’s journey began at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she studied theater and international studies and joined Kappa Kappa Gamma. Though her path led to global recognition, she has always carried her alma mater with pride. Now, in a graceful full-circle moment, Northwestern honors her journey—celebrating the woman who once walked its halls with purpose, and rose to inspire far beyond them.

Bathed in Northwestern blue, Meghan Markle was recently honored with pride by her former university.

Northwestern University pays tribute to Meghan Markle

Northwestern University now proudly features Meghan Markle on its alumni wall inside the visitor center, her portrait placed between fellow distinguished names—Jason Wright and George R. R. Martin. Other notable alumni include Stephen Colbert and Roslyn M. Brock. The wall, awash in shades of deep blue and soft white, feels like a quiet celebration—where love and pride seem to have found a new colour, glowing with the spirit of those who once walked its halls.

Even back in 2018, Northwestern University proudly displayed Meghan Markle’s photo to inspire new generations of students. Featured atop a list of notable alumni—including IBM’s Virginia Rometty and comedian Seth Meyers—she was described as a “humanitarian and the Duchess of Sussex.” The university’s message was clear: “You can do anything when you take a Northwestern Direction. They did” Not only does the Duchess share a deep connection with Northwestern University, but also has a surprising college link to Princess Diana.

Among the many connections linking Meghan Markle and her late mother-in-law, including moments like wearing the same Northwestern sweatshirt Princess Diana once wore—one stands out: a sweet connection, as if fate quietly wove their stories long before royal life began.

The fate-tied college connection between Meghan Markle and Princess Diana

Meghan Markle, grew up oceans apart from the royal family, yet fate nearly brought her face-to-face with Princess Diana. In June 1996, , the late Princess of Wales spent five days at Northwestern University—championing a cancer center and inspiring students. Just three years later, the former Suits star arrived on the same campus, narrowly missing the chance to meet the iconic princess. It was a near encounter, as if destiny briefly linked their worlds.

Princess Diana captivated Northwestern University during a fundraising gala, wearing a stunning purple gown matching the school’s official color. Former president Henry Bienen told North by Northwestern in 2016 that when he asked if she knew the significance, “she just laughed,” hinting she chose the color deliberately. Princess Diana helped raise nearly one million dollars and was later seen sporting a Northwestern sweatshirt. Now, the university honors not only Princess Diana but also her daughter-in-law, Meghan Markle.

What do you think about Meghan Markle being honored by Northwestern University?