Meghan Markle's First Job Trained Her to Be "Personable" Long Before She Became a Duchess
When Meghan Markle was 13, she worked part-time at a yogurt shop called Humphrey Yogart in Los Angeles. Meghan's old boss explains that she taught the future duchess how to be personable for the job, which prepared her for life as a royal.


Meghan Markle seems like she was born to be royal. The former Suits actress has fit seamlessly into so many aspects of the royal family that it's easy to forget she grew up in America and not in some grand castle in the United Kingdom.
But, even though Meghan didn't grow up in a castle officially training to be a future royal, she always wasn't just born a fully-formed duchess-in-waiting. Apparently, Meghan picked up a key royal skill at her first job.
No, that skill was not holding a metal suitcase (still waiting for that particular bit of on-the-job training to come in handy at a royal engagement) because Meghan's résumé starts long before her Deal or No Deal days. Meghan's first foray into the workforce came when she was just 13 and took a gig at a place called Humphrey Yogart (GET IT?) in Los Angeles.
Meghan's former boss, pun-tastic froyo shop owner Paula Sheftel, spilled details about what middle and high school Meghan was like on the job. Unsurprisingly, she described the Duchess of Sussex as a hard worker who was liked by customers, according to Express.
Meghan worked 10-12 hours a week for minimum wage (which, at the time, was $4 an hour, apparently) at her part-time gig, picking up shifts after school and on weekends and Paula takes credit for teaching Meghan to be "personable."
"We trained her to be personable and have great eye contact and be very genuine – skills she’s going to need traveling the world with Harry," she said back in 2017, when Meghan was just beginning her royal journey. "She had to prove she had an outgoing personality and would work well with staff."
Froyo Paula revealed that everyone from Meghan's former yogurt-selling life was very excited to learn that she got engaged to Prince Harry and explained why she thinks Meghan loved her time at Humphrey Yogart, too.
"She comes from humble beginnings like most of us. I’m now wondering if all my team want to be princesses," Paula said. "I’m sure she remembers it fondly. Her dog is named Bogart – maybe there’s a link?"
Maybe, Paula. Maybe.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Kate Middleton Had a Job Working as a Deckhand for $6.81 an Hour
RELATED STORIES
Here's a Video of Meghan Markle Pretending to Be a Queen in 1990
Kayleigh Roberts is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, covering celebrity and entertainment news, from actual royals like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to Hollywood royalty, like Katie Holmes and Chrissy Teigen. She’s a Ravenclaw who would do great things in Slytherin. To learn more about her, google “Leslie Knope eating salad GIF.
-
Worth It: Loewe's Gradient Puzzle Bag
The signature puzzle-piece purse has three new colors.
By Sara Holzman
-
How to Make Your Bikini Wax Less Painful, According to Experts
It all starts with preparation.
By Samantha Holender
-
Miley Cyrus, Millennial, Shows Side Parts Can Still Be Cool With Hair Transformation
No! Beauty! Rules!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry's Ex Chelsy Davy Just Got Married, Reportedly
She and Sam Cutmore-Scott share baby son Leo.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Is Worried About Archie and Lili Experiencing the "Online Harm" That Is Currently "Normalized"
He says the internet needs to change dramatically.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Sent a Heartfelt Message to British Soccer Player Who Came Out as Gay
Jake Daniels' decision will make such a huge difference.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William Shared Rare PDA in the Bahamas
The footage popped up on TikTok.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Queen Touched Up Her Lipstick During Her First Jubilee Appearance
She actually regularly does this in public, which is amazing.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Helped a Student Find a Crossword Answer Related to the Queen
Wholesome!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Was Booed by Soccer Fans at the FA Cup Final
Opinion is divided over the booing.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
22 Captivating Films About Royal Life
Once you've finished 'The Crown,' cue up one of these royally good films.
By Nicole Briese