BEFORE she joined the royal family, Meghan Markle was enjoying a glamorous life as an actress in hit TV show Suits.

However, a royal author has claimed that the Duchess of Sussex, 38, “really regretted giving up” her showbiz career because her world since marrying Prince Harry “didn’t compare”.

Meghan Markle “really regretted” giving up her showbiz life to enter the royal family, claims royal author Sally Bedell Smith

Sally Bedell Smith, the Queen’s biographer, explained how the mum-of-one had become unhappy with her decision.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, the writer – who has also penned books on Prince Charles and Princess Diana – explained: “It seems now that she really regrets having had to give that up, and what she was expected to do in the royal family didn’t compare with what she had been accustomed to.”

The expert noted that there were “innumerable advantages and perks”, but that you were forced to give up “a lot of things that may have meant a lot to you”.

She added that the duchess “may not have seen it that way” when she married into the family.

Meghan gave up her acting career when she and Harry, 35, announced their engagement in 2017.

The duchess starred in Suits for seven years, and also ran successful blog The Tig.

It comes a day after The Sun exclusively revealed that the couple were offered the freedom to live without titles before their £23m wedding in 2018.

The Queen, 93, hoped it would smooth the actress’ transition into The Firm and allow her to carry on with her day job.

A source said: “From the early days, the Queen really wanted to agree a smooth transition for Meghan.

“The offer would have allowed her to carry on her career but she was happy to stop acting to become a working member of the royal family.

Meghan (pictured in 2013) was best known for starring in hit TV show Suits before she married Prince Harry

Earlier this month, the duke and duchess (pictured in 2016) revealed they were stepping down as senior royals

“Royal officials were frustrated that she and Harry now appear to be saying they were pressured into quitting royal life.”

Earlier this month, the monarch released a statement finalising the details of Megxit which has seen the couple step down as senior royals and relocate to Canada.

In other royal news, we told you how the Duchess of Sussex’s mum Doria Ragland was a “silent but steely influence in key Megxit decisions”.

We also revealed how “to Meghan Markle” is now a verb which means “to value yourself” and “leave situations”.

And the duchess’ best friend claims she faces daily harassment on social media.