Prince Harry’s girlfriend lists 10 women who changed her life

ACTRESS Meghan Markle, who is the girlfriend of Britain’s Prince Harry, has named the 10 women who changed her life in a list which is headed by primatologist Dian Fossey, but also features Rosie the Riveter, a World War II poster girl and Joni Mitchell.

Julia Roberts, who Markle says inspired her to become an actress, is also on the list.

Markle told Glamour magazine, which published her top 10: “When I was younger someone told me, ‘You kind of look like Julia Roberts in profile’. It was the best compliment of all time.”

The actress is currently on a safari holiday to Botswana with Prince Harry, and many believe the trip is a precursor to an engagement. It is anticipated that Markle will soon quit her job on the legal drama Suits, filmed in Toronto, and move to London.

Markle said that, having studied international relations at university, she was always drawn to that world.

Music and food also feature on the list. Canadian singer and songwriter Joni Mitchell is at No 5 for her song California which has become something of an anthem for Markle, who is from Los Angeles, whenever she is feeling homesick.

Then comes chef Alice Waters. Markle said she has inspired her to favour eating fresh, locally grown, seasonal produce – something that is bound to delight Harry’s father, Prince Charles.

Julia Roberts is at No 7 ahead of American novelist Toni Morrison, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.

Next is entrepreneur Suhani Jalota, who set up a network of women in India who make and sell sanitary products.

At No 10 is Markle’s mother Doria Ragland, a yoga teacher and therapist, with whom she shares a close bond.

She says she admires her for being “nurturing and caregiving” at the same time as being a dreadlocked “free spirit”. – Daily Mail