Meghan Marke is Google's most searched for famous woman in 2016

Despite the fact the actress only started dominating the headlines towards the end of the year, she has still managed to top Google's list of 2016's most searched female celebrities

In terms of most googled famous men, the boxer Conor McGregor is first, followed by Sam Reece, Paul Pogma, Wayne Bridge and the late wrestler Kimbo Slice (Getty Images)

It goes without saying that there has been a lot to take in this year. From Brexit to Theresa May becoming Prime Minister to Donald Trump becoming President on the other side of the Atlantic, 2016 has seen the political landscape change beyond belief.

But it seems other matters have also been preoccupying the minds of the British public. The seismic paradigm shift that was Prince Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle has also made waves. This is evidenced by the fact the actress is the most searched female celebrity in the UK.

Despite the fact Markle only started dominating the headlines in October when their relationship was still just a rumour, she has still managed to top Google's list of 2016's most searched female celebrities.

Markle may have risen to prominence for playing the ambitious, determined paralegal Rachel Zane in Suits but she is also an entrepreneur, humanitarian and racial and gender equality campaigner.

Prince Harry confirmed the pair were in a relationship via an extraordinary statement released by Kensington Palace at the beginning of November. In the statement, he condemned the paparazzi for subjecting Markle to a “wave of abuse and harassment” and attacked the “racial undertones” of media coverage of his girlfriend.

Other women in the list include Stephanie Davis in second place followed by Honey G, Carol Vorderman, Kesha and Angie Bowie.

In terms of the most googled famous men, the boxer Conor McGregor is first, followed by Sam Reece, Paul Pogma, Wayne Bridge and the late wrestler Kimbo Slice.

And in non-people related news, perhaps unsurprisingly, “what is” and “how to play Pokémon Go?” were asked more than any other question. For “what is?” questions, Brexit was, of course, the second most searched.