Meghan Markle at 40: the Duchess of Sussex's 40 best fashion moments

The former actress enters a new decade on August 4

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Many happy returns are in order for Meghan, Duchess of Sussex who marks her birthday on Wednesday.

The former Suits star turns 40 on August 4, though little is known about how the author, actress and activist will mark the occasion.

The royal, who welcomed her second child – a daughter named Lilibet 'Lili' Diana Mountbatten-Windsor – in June, is expected to celebrate the landmark birthday with family and friends in California, where she resides with husband Prince Harry.

Meghan Markle turns 40

Meghan Markle turns 40

The duchess shares her birthday with a number of famous faces, including former US president Barack Obama, who turns 60 this year, and actor Billy Bob Thornton, who will turn 66.

Coincidentally, the royal also shares the August 4 date with her great-grandmother-in-law. Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who became Queen as the wife of King George VI and is the mother of Queen Elizabeth II, was born on that day in 1900.

While we can expect plenty of social media tributes to Meghan to mark her entering a new decade, we're taking a look back through her fashion files.

From her headline-grabbing, minimal Givenchy wedding gown to bohemian maxi dresses worn on royal tours, the duchess has established herself as a timeless style maven since becoming engaged to Prince Harry in 2017.

Favouring storied labels such as Prada, Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren, Meghan has also used her time in the public eye to shine a spotlight on emerging designers, such as Scottish accessories label Strathberry and Moroccan footwear brand Zyne.

Scroll through the gallery to see 40 of the Duchess of Sussex's most memorable fashion moments.

Updated: August 05, 2021, 8:06 AM