Who Was Doris May Rita Sanders? Meet Meghan Markle’s Grandmother

Last updated on: November 27, 2025

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was born into a family with deep and varied roots. One of the valuable ancestors in her family tree is her grandmother, Doris May Rita Sanders. She is part of Meghan’s story and her connection to the United States. Many people are interested in learning about the woman who helped shape the Markle family. Here is what we know about her life.

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Quick Facts About Doris May Rita Sanders


Full Name	Doris May Rita Sanders (later Doris May Rita Markle)
Birthdate	July 28, 1920
Birthplace	New Hampshire, United States
Age	died at 91 years
Died	2011
Husband/Wife	Husband: Gordon Arnold Markle
Marriage Date	March 13, 1941
Education	N/A
Parents	Frederick George Sanders (Father), Gertrude May Merrill (Mother)
Siblings	Not known
Children Grandchildren	Thomas Wayne Markle Sr. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Samantha Markle, Thomas Markle Jr.
Nationality	American
Residence	Newport, Pennsylvania, USA
Net worth	<$1 million

Early Life and Family

Doris May Rita Sanders was born to Frederick George Sanders and Gertrude May Merrill on July 28, 1920, in New Hampshire, USA. They reared her in a humble and affectionate atmosphere. Doris grew up during some pretty challenging times. The world moved quickly, and her family worked hard to look after each other.

She had a very normal childhood for the time. Not many of her early life stories are shared publicly, but from what is recorded, she remained close to her family and carried strong family values with her throughout life.

Marriage and Children

Later, Doris relocated to Newport, Pennsylvania. That is where she met Gordon Arnold Markle. They fell in love, and on March 13th, 1941, they married. Following her marriage, she became known as Doris May Rita Markle.

They had children together, one of whom was Thomas Wayne Markle Sr., who became Meghan Markle’s father. Doris and Gordon raised the children in Newport, where their residence was one among a small and friendly community in this town.

As a mother, Doris played an important role in molding the lives of her children. She passed values such as kindness and strength down to them, which can often be seen in the family today.

Her Role as a Grandmother

Doris led a long life and became a grandmother. One of her grandchildren was Meghan Markle, born in 1981. Meghan has spoken about her family with pride, and Doris was a key part of that family line. Even though Doris stayed mostly private, she still mattered in Meghan’s story.

Over the years, some family members have spoken to the press about the family, while Doris herself avoided the spotlight. She led a peaceful life, loved by her kin.

Her Later Years

Doris lived to be 91 years of age. She passed away on November 25, 2011. Such a long life meant she lived through many changes in the world: different times, war, growth, and new technology, yet she remained strong and caring.

To this date, even in death, she remains an important figure in the Markle family history. Meghan’s journey into the British royal family brought new attention to her grandparents, including Doris.

Legacy

Today, people look back and learn more about Doris as part of Meghan Markle’s heritage. Doris’s story reminds us that every family has history, love, and memories that shape future generations. She may have not been famous, but she managed to contribute to forming a family that is now world-renowned. Her life expresses the power of love, family, and simple beginnings.