Long before Meghan Markle became the Duchess of Sussex, she took on a very different kind of royal role—one that few would expect from a future member of the British Royal Family.
In 2012, Markle appeared on the ABC crime drama Castle, portraying a character far from the poised princess she would become in real life.
Her character, Charlotte Boyd, was a seemingly innocent young woman who, under the guise of Sleeping Beauty, turned out to be a cold-blooded serial killer.
Meghan Markle on Castle
Markle’s appearance came in Season 4, Episode 17, titled “Once Upon a Crime.” The episode revolved around a string of murders where women were found dead, dressed as fairy tale princesses.
Markle’s character, Charlotte, was eventually revealed as the mastermind behind these murders, driven by a desire to cover up a secret from her past.
In a chilling twist, Charlotte had injected two young women with ketamine and oxycodone to prevent them from revealing her involvement in the accidental death of her friend years earlier.
The episode is a fascinating departure from Markle’s better-known role as the savvy Rachel Zane on Suits or her real-life responsibilities as a Duchess, showcasing her range as an actress who could convincingly embody both a legal eagle and a nefarious killer.
Nathan Fillion, who starred as the eponymous Richard Castle, recalled in a 2018 interview how Markle portrayed a princess even before joining the Royal Family. He humorously remarked, “I forgot that she was the murderer and I am shocked! I am shocked!”
For fans looking to revisit this curious chapter of Markle’s acting career, the episode is available on Hulu along with all eight seasons of Castle.
While her portrayal of a murderous Sleeping Beauty might seem jarring given her later royal connections, it offers a unique glimpse into her versatility as an actress.
The series’ guest stars
Markle’s episode is just one example of the many memorable guest stars who have appeared on Castle.
Over its run from 2009 to 2016, the show featured several notable actors, each bringing their unique flair to various characters.
For instance, the late Chadwick Boseman appeared in the episode “Poof! You’re Dead,” where he played a magician trying to outsmart the detectives, and Laura Prepon took on the role of a movie star researching for a part. Other guest stars included Alyssa Milano, Erin Foster, and Dana Delany, all of whom left their mark on the series with standout performances.
Though Meghan Markle has since stepped back from her acting career to focus on her philanthropic endeavors, fans can still catch her past roles.
Fans can enjoy her eclectic performances across various shows, from Suits to CSI: Miami, each one offering a different facet of her pre-royal life.