All the unexpected jobs royal family members have had, from actor to interior designer

The royal family have had some unusual roles

Meghan Markle in the US legal drama Suits (YouTube/Suits)

They might be members of the British royal family, but that doesn’t mean the Windsors haven’t dabbled in various professions outside of their lives within the firm.

In fact, many members of the royal family, both past and present, have worked in alternative fields, from Princess Diana teaching at a nursery school to the Duchess of Sussex having had a starring role in the US legal drama Suits.

Additionally, many members of the royal family have tried their hand at writing books, while others have been involved in the art and fashion worlds.

Here’s everything you need to know about what non-royal jobs the royal family has had over the years.

Meghan Markle was a Hollywood actor

Meghan pictured alongside the Suits cast (Getty Images)

Before she met Prince Harry, Meghan starred as Rachel Zane in the hit US TV series, Suits. In the show, Rachel has an on-off relationship with Michael Ross, played by Patrick J Adams.

Meghan was on the programme for seven seasons, after which she gave up acting and committed to a life of service alongside her now-husband, Prince Harry.

However, the couple famously stepped down from their roles in the royal family last year and have since expanded their philanthropy work while also working on various documentaries and media projects.

Princess Eugenie works for an art gallery

Eugenie pictured on her wedding day. (Getty Images)

Princess Eugenie might not be in the limelight to the extent that some of her fellow royal family members are, but as 11th in line to the throne, she remains an important part of the royal institution.

In addition to handling her royal duties, though, she also serves as Associate Director at the Hauser & Wirth gallery in London, telling Harper’s Bazaar that the job gets her involved in “planning special projects” for the gallery and and “supporting the artists in the gallery and managing events”.

Kate Middleton used to work at Jigsaw

The Duchess of Cambridge was an assistant buyer (AFP via Getty Images)

Before she married a Prince, Kate Middleton worked as an accessories buyer at Jigsaw. The then-24-year-old worked at the fashion chain for one year before going on to work for Party Pieces, the events planning company run by her parents, Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton.

The Duchess of Cornwall worked in interior design

Camilla reportedly turned up late to work and was sacked (AFP via Getty Images)

Before Camilla married Prince Charles, she reportedly worked at interior decorating firm Colefax and Fowler.

According to The Sunday Times, Camilla was fired from her role as an assistant at the company after she turned up late one morning having attended a party the previous evening.

In an interview with the publication, the Duchess’s former colleague Imogen Taylor said: “There were a lot of debutantes working for us, even Camilla.”

Taylor went on to refer to their boss at the time, who was known for his temper. “The Duchess of Cornwall was one assistant who fell victim to one of [his] tantrums... I think she came in late having been to a dance,” she said.

Princess Diana worked at a nursery

The teenager was working as a teacher’s assistant when she met Prince Charles (Getty Images)

The late Princess of Wales worked at a nursery when she started dating her future husband, Prince Charles.

Diana was just 18 years old when she was employed as a nursery teacher’s assistant at the Young England School in Pimlico in 1980. She got engaged to Prince Charles when she was 19.

Asked about why she had taken the job in her engagement interview with Prince Charles, she said: “Because I adore children, that’s really why. It just seemed to appeal to me.”

Prince William worked as an air ambulance pilot

The Duke of Cambridge flew Helicopter Emergency Medical Service missions (Getty Images)

Prince William has had a range of professions over the years, having served in the Army and working for three years as a Search and Rescue pilot for the RAF. However, he also worked as an air ambulance pilot.

Between March 2015 and July 2017, the Duke flew Helicopter Emergency Medical Service missions for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

“When I put my air ambulance hat on, and I come here and I fly, I’m one of the team,” he said of the role in 2016.

Sarah Ferguson writes books

The Duchess of York is an author (AFP via Getty Images)

The Duchess of York is an established author, having written several books, including a memoir, a novel, a weight loss guide, and several children’s titles.

Her latest book is titled Her Heart for a Compass, a historical love story set in London in 1965 that follows the story of the “free-spirited Lady Margaret Montagu Douglas Scott” who abandons the aristocracy to pursue her own dreams.

Prince Harry served in the British Army

The Duke of Sussex was in the army for 10 years (Getty Images)

Before he met Meghan, Prince Harry was dedicated to the British Army, where he worked for 10 years, rising to the rank of Captain and undertaking two tours of Afghanistan.

He has also taken part in a number of projects and initiatives for the Army, including volunteering with its Personnel Recovery Unit in London, trekking with wounded servicemen and women to the South Pole and in the Arctic, and supporting a number of adventure challenges through his Endeavour Fund.