Why did Meghan Markle leave Suits? TV show cast, how to watch - and what co-star Patrick J Adams said on Twitter

Former Suits co-star Adams launches defence of the Duchess of Sussex as she reveals all in an interview with Oprah Winfrey

Meghan Markle is no stranger to the spotlight.

The Duchess of Sussex enjoyed a breakthrough role as one of the main characters in US legal drama Suits before marrying Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

And, as Meghan reveals all from her time in England in an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey stateside, different parts of Meghan’s life are attracting attention.

Cast of Suits (L-R) Rick Hoffman, Patrick J. Adams, Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres and Gabriel Macht. (Pic: Getty Images)

Like why did she leave Suits, when - and what her former co-star Patrick J Adams has said about the Duchess on Twitter as the world watches on…

When did Meghan leave Suits?

Meghan Markle played the role of Rachel Zane in Suits.

She was introduced as a paralegal of the firm in the very first episode of the US show in 2011 but gradually worked her way up to become an attorney.

Her character had a turbulent romantic relationship with Mike Ross, played by Patrick J Adams, which saw the couple eventually get married and set up their own firm in Seattle.

Meghan appeared in 108 episodes of the hit programme, which ran for nine seasons, but she left the show at the end of season seven, which aired in 2018.

Why did Meghan leave Suits?

Meghan’s Royal commitments seem to be at the centre of her departure from Suits, with her last appearance in the show airing on 25 April 2018.

Meghan and Harry had already been dating for a while by this stage, were engaged and got married just a few weeks later on 19 May 2018.

In a joint interview, the Duchess said on leaving the show: “I don’t see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change.” And added: “Now it’s time to work with Harry as a team.”

Under her Royal commitments, Meghan supports a number of charitable causes and organisations around animal welfare, support for women, the arts and education.

Suits creator Aaron Korsh said he and the show’s writers were preparing for Meghan’s exit as her relationship with Harry blossomed and the actress received increased media exposure.

“I sort of had a decision to make because I didn't want to intrude and ask her, ‘Hey, what's going on? What are you going to do?’ Korsh told Radio 4.

“So, collectively the writers, we decided to take a gamble that these two people [Meghan and Harry] are in love and it's going to work out.

“What we decided to do was as the season progresses say, ‘Look, I would rather have good things happen to Meghan in her life' — which would likely mean her leaving the show.

“So let's plan on that and it's much easier to undo that, if it came to it, than to just plan on her staying forever and then finding out she's going to go.”

Who is in the Suits cast?

Suits launched the careers of several stars over the course of its nine-season run, as well as attracting some of the biggest names in the industry.

The show revolves around Gabriel Macht’s character Harvey Specter - a hot shot legal attorney and self proclaimed ‘best closer in New York City’ - and Mike Ross, played by Patrick J Adams.

Mike impresses Harvey in an interview to become his personal associate, despite not being a qualified lawyer or having a license to practice law.

The two are joined on set by Rick Hoffman (Louis Litt), Sarah Rafferty (Donna Paulsen), Gina Torres (Jessica Pearson), Amanda Schull (Katrina Bennett), Dulé Hill (Alex Williams), Katherine Heigl (Samantha Wheeler) and, of course Meghan Markle (Rachel Zane).

How can I watch Suits in the UK?

Suits is available to watch in the UK through Netflix and other online streaming services Amazon Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube.

All 134 episodes and nine seasons of the show are available to watch for Netflix subscribers through the monthly fee.

Yet there is an additional cost for Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and Google Play of around £1.89 / £1.99 per episode.

What did Patrick J Adams say on Twitter?

Meghan’s former Suits co-star Patrick J Adams launched a lengthy defence of the Duchess of Sussex on Twitter, in which he took aim at the Royal Family.

In a series of Tweets, Adams said Meghan was an “enthusiastic, kind, cooperative, giving, joyful and supportive member of our television family.”

He continued: "She has always been a powerful woman with a deep sense of morality and a fierce work ethic and has never been afraid to speak up, be heard and defend herself and those she holds dear.

"Like the rest of the world, I have watched her navigate the last few years in astonishment."

And added: “It sickened me to read the endless racist, slanderous, clickbaiting vitriol spewed in her direction from all manner of media across the UK and the world but I also knew that Meghan was stronger than people realized or understood and they would regret underestimating her.

Adams said the planet’s “hunt continued” as Meghan and Harry welcomed their son Archie into the world.

Speaking of the Royals, Adams said Meghan was “trying to find her place in a family dynamic that can at best be described as complicated and at worst, seemingly archaic and toxic.”

Later adding: “It’s OBSCENE that the Royal Family, who’s newest member is currently GROWING INSIDE OF HER, is promoting and amplifying accusations of “bullying” against a woman who herself was basically forced to flee the UK in order to protect her family and her own mental health.

“IMO, this newest chapter and it’s timing is just another stunning example of the shamelessness of an institution that has outlived its relevance, is way overdrawn on credibility and apparently bankrupt of decency.

“Find someone else to admonish, berate and torment. My friend Meghan is way out of your league.”

What has Buckingham Palace made of bullying allegations?

A Buckingham Palace investigation is currently ongoing looking into the allegations of bullying made by Meghan by former Royal staff.

"We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” a Buckingham Palace statement read.

“Accordingly our HR team will look into the circumstances outlined in the article.

“Members of staff involved at the time, including those who have left the Household, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned.

“The Royal Household has had a Dignity at Work policy in place for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace.”