The Connection Between Nancy Bowers and Meghan Markle

Nancy Bowers and Meghan Markle share a deeply significant connection that has often been overlooked. For Black History Month, we will be exploring Meghan Markle’s Black ancestry, specifically her ancestor, Nancy Bowers. Her story, deeply intertwined with British colonialism, sheds light on the enduring legacies of slavery that continue to shape our world today.

Nancy Bowers and Her Connection to Meghan Markle?

Nancy Bowers was born into slavery in Georgia, USA, during the 1820s, a time when the transatlantic slave trade still thrived. Her birth placed her in a lineage tied to the exploitation and dehumanization of African Americans, a history often overlooked in discussions about Meghan Markle’s life. Instead of focusing on this profound ancestry, British media largely highlighted Meghan’s biracial identity without delving deeper into the historical significance of her roots and their connection to British imperialism and slavery.

After emancipation, she took on the role of head of her household and worked as a farmer, providing for her family. In a 1900 census record, Bowers revealed she had given birth to 25 children, but only eight were still alive. This stark glimpse into her life highlights the incredible hardship and heartache she endured, yet she persisted, embodying the strength needed to overcome such unimaginable adversity.

Meghan Markle’s lineage inherits this resilience. The strength shown by Nancy Bowers flows through Meghan, tying her to a legacy that demands the world acknowledge the impact of slavery and colonialism. Bowers’ life, full of loss and sorrow, serves as a reminder of the enduring fight for survival and justice, a fight Meghan continues today through her work and presence on the global stage.

The British Empire’s Role in Slavery

The British Empire heavily profited from the transatlantic slave trade, which became a central pillar of its economic success. Britain played a major role in transporting more than three million Africans to the Americas, where they were forced into labour on plantations. The commodities produced by enslaved Africans, such as sugar, cotton, and tobacco, became vital to the British economy. This exploitation fueled the nation’s economic expansion during the Industrial Revolution.

Powerful British families, including monarchs, invested in slavery. These families amassed vast wealth, which allowed them to build estates, influence politics, and shape institutions that still impact modern Britain. British stockholders of the South Sea Company, Royal African Company and other enterprises relied on the forced labor of Africans to increase profits, circulating this capital through banking and other industries. This wealth enabled Britain to emerge as a global powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution, with cities like London, Liverpool, and Manchester flourishing as major slave-shipping hubs.

This system of slavery created generational wealth for many elite families, contributing to Britain’s rise as the world’s first modern industrialized nation. Today, Meghan Markle’s marriage into the royal family has placed a spotlight on the lingering legacy of these connections. Her ancestry, tied to African-American enslavement, contrasts sharply with the British elite’s historical profits from enslaving people of African descent. Markle’s personal heritage highlights the deep connections between the wealth that built Britain and the exploitation of Black labor.

Nancy Bowers and the Legacy of Slavery

Meghan Markle’s family history shows how the legacy of slavery still affects the modern world. Her 4x great-grandmother, Nancy Bowers, was born into slavery and lived through one of America’s darkest times. Her forced servitude highlights the racial injustices that still exist in the U.S. and Britain.

Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, also has deep ties to this history. Her ancestor, Richard Ragland, Meghan’s 4x great-grandfather, was born into slavery in South Carolina around 1792. His son, Stephen Ragland, saw slavery abolished in 1865 but still faced discrimination. Meghan’s family history shows how oppression continued long after slavery ended.

Doria’s mother, Jeanette Ragland, played a big role in Meghan’s life. Jeanette, born in Ohio, was the daughter of James Arnold, a hotel bellboy, and Netty, a lift operator. She raised Doria in Cleveland before moving to California.

Later in life, Jeanette suffered a stroke, and Meghan helped care for her. She sat by her grandmother’s side, held her hand, cooked for her, and made sure she felt loved. Meghan’s uncle, Joseph, said, “She loved her grandmother.”

Jeanette also helped raise Meghan while Doria worked. Joseph recalled how their mother babysat Meghan every day. When Doria finished work, she went straight to Jeanette’s house to pick up her daughter.

Through her mother’s side, Meghan’s family history reflects generations of strength and survival. Her close bond with her grandmother shows the love and sacrifice that shaped her into the woman she is today.

Embed from Getty Images

Meghan Markle and Doria Ragland attend UN Women’s 20th Anniversary of the Fourth World Conference of Women in Beijing at Manhattan Centre at Hammerstein Ballroom on March 10, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Meghan Markle’s Nigerian Heritage and the Legacy of Colonialism

Meghan revealed on her Archetypes podcast that, in addition to her African-American heritage, a DNA test showed she is 43% Nigerian. This discovery adds another layer to her understanding of her identity, which she reflects on how identity is something one can shape, much like her ancestors did when they gained their freedom after the abolition of slavery in 1865, choosing their own surnames, with her great-great-great-grandfather selecting “Wisdom” as a symbol of starting anew and defining his legacy.

Her connection to Nigeria, a country historically exploited by British colonialism, highlights the global reach of imperialism and slavery. The shared history of Africa, Britain, and the U.S. shows how the transatlantic slave trade enriched empires while destroying African lives. After 1776, the United States also profited from slavery. Enslaved labor powered cotton and tobacco production across the Southern states.

Meghan’s family history reflects the resilience of ancestors who made bold choices under oppression. It also highlights the ongoing fight for racial justice. Her identity draws from Nigerian ancestry and the legacy of African-American enslavement. Together, these histories show how colonialism and slavery still shape modern societies.

Modern Britain and the Wealth of Slavery

Even after slavery was abolished in the British Empire in 1833, the legacy of this brutal institution continued to shape British society. British slave owners were compensated for the loss of their “property,” and the financial benefits of slavery became embedded in British institutions. Many estates, banks, and other economic establishments that exist today owe their success to the profits of the transatlantic slave trade.

The National Trust found that 90 of the properties it manages are linked to slavery and colonialism. This revelation illustrates the continued impact of British imperialism on modern economic and political structures.

The Unbroken Link Between Nancy Bowers and Meghan Markle

The story of Nancy Bowers and her descendant, Meghan Markle, serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of slavery and colonialism. As Meghan Markle is a prominent figure, her family history sheds light on the deep, uncomfortable connections between Britain’s imperial past and its present.

While Britain has moved forward in many ways, the wealth and privilege built on the backs of enslaved people like Nancy Bowers still shape its society. Acknowledging this history is crucial for understanding the racial inequalities that persist today, both in Britain and beyond. By focusing on Meghan Markle’s ancestor Nancy Bowers, we can better appreciate how the legacies of slavery and colonialism continue to influence our modern world—and why it’s essential to confront these difficult truths as we strive for a more just and equitable future.