Why Meghan Markle Reached for McDonald’s Apple Pies After Acting Auditions

Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was a striving actress navigating the highs and lows of Hollywood auditions. In a candid moment shared on her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, the 44-year-old revealed a charming ritual from those early days: treating herself to a McDonald’s apple pie after a good audition. It’s a relatable glimpse into her life before royalty, one that paints a picture of a young woman finding comfort in a simple, handheld dessert. From her struggles with rejection to her love for fast food, here’s the story of Meghan’s journey, her nostalgic connection to apple pies, and how it ties to her life today.

A Hollywood Hustle Fueled by Hope

Long before her days as a global figure, Meghan Markle was just another actress pounding the pavement in Los Angeles. In her 20s, fresh out of Northwestern University with a theater degree, she faced the grueling reality of auditions endless waiting rooms, nerve-wracking performances, and the sting of rejection. “At the start of my auditioning career, you were either the Black girl or the White girl or the Latina girl,” she once shared on a podcast, reflecting on the typecasting she faced as a mixed-race actress. The constant “nos” chipped away at her confidence, but a good audition? That was cause for celebration.

Meghan’s go-to reward was simple yet indulgent: a trip to the McDonald’s drive-thru for a warm apple pie. “My love of a little handheld apple pie runs deep,” she told Tan France on With Love, Meghan Season 2. “If I thought I did really well at an audition, most actresses would probably think, ‘I’m going to the gym.’ Nope. I’d go to the drive-through at McDonald’s and buy myself an apple pie.” It’s a moment that humanizes her—a young woman, nerves still buzzing from performing, finding solace in a $1 treat that felt like a small victory.

From Fast Food to Family Favorites

Meghan’s love for fast food wasn’t just a one-off. Growing up in Los Angeles, she was no stranger to drive-thrus. On her Netflix show, she shared with Mindy Kaling that she was a “latchkey kid,” often grabbing Taco Bell or Jack in the Box after school. Those childhood meals, paired with watching Jeopardy! on TV trays, shaped her early memories. But the McDonald’s apple pie held a special place, a symbol of her resilience during those uncertain audition days.

Now, as a mother of two Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4 Meghan’s culinary habits have evolved, but her love for apple pies persists. On With Love, Meghan, she recreated a homemade version, opting for pre-made puff pastry to keep things “spontaneous,” as she admitted she’s not a fan of the precise measurements baking often demands. “I love the idea of being able to rethink baking to be just a little more spontaneous,” she said, showing off a recipe inspired by her McDonald’s days but elevated with her Montecito garden’s apples. It’s a nod to her past, reimagined for her present as a lifestyle tastemaker.

Her connection to food goes beyond nostalgia. Meghan spoke of cooking “Mama Meals” for her kids, like roast chicken, hoping to create formative memories they’ll carry into adulthood. “I want my kids to have those same memories of things that I cook,” she said in an interview, emphasizing food as one of her love languages. Even when ordering takeout, she plates it beautifully, a small act of care that reflects her nurturing side.

Navigating Rejection and Finding Strength

Meghan’s audition days weren’t just about apple pies they were a crucible of self-doubt and perseverance. On her podcast Confessions of a Female Founder, she opened up about the challenges of being mixed-race in Hollywood. “I could get into a lot of rooms,” she said, but the “numbers game” meant hearing “no” more often. Casting directors sometimes saw her as Latina, other times as not fitting neatly into any box, which led to constant rejection. “That was a lot to chip away at your self-esteem,” she admitted, recalling how she wore turtlenecks to hide the blotches that appeared on her chest when nervous.

Yet those struggles shaped her resilience. Advice from a mentor “don’t try to book the part, book the room”—stuck with her, teaching her to focus on building relationships rather than chasing roles. That mindset carried her through small parts in shows like General Hospital and CSI: NY to her breakout role as Rachel Zane on Suits, where she starred for seven seasons. The apple pies were more than a treat; they were a ritual of self-care, a way to celebrate small wins in a tough industry.

A Royal Connection to Fast Food

Meghan’s fast-food fondness isn’t limited to her single days. She and Prince Harry, 41, share a love for In-N-Out Burger, a California staple. In a 2022 Variety interview, she revealed it’s Harry’s “favorite,” and they often stop at a drive-thru halfway between Los Angeles and their Montecito home. “It’s really fun to go through the drive-through and surprise them. They know our order,” she said, laughing. It’s a charming glimpse into their life as a couple, balancing royal duties with everyday pleasures like burgers and fries.

This connection to fast food adds a layer of relatability to Meghan’s story. Even as a duchess, she’s not above a quick drive-thru run, a reminder of her roots before the palaces and paparazzi. Her Netflix series, blending high-end lifestyle tips with personal anecdotes, shows her embracing both worlds—crafting homemade apple pies while reminiscing about McDonald’s.

A Recipe for Resilience

Meghan’s apple pie story is more than a quirky anecdote; it’s a window into her journey from a hopeful actress to a global figure. Those McDonald’s runs were moments of defiance against rejection, a way to reclaim joy in a competitive world. Today, as she navigates life as a mother, philanthropist, and producer, she’s still finding ways to celebrate the small stuff whether it’s a homemade pie or a quiet moment with her kids.

Her openness about those early struggles resonates with anyone who’s faced setbacks. It’s a reminder that even the biggest stars start somewhere, and sometimes, a simple treat can be the sweetest reward. For Meghan, those apple pies were a taste of hope, and her story encourages us all to find our own ways to keep going, one small victory at a time.