Is it time for Meghan to follow the example of other American women who married into royalty, asks royal expert CHRISTOPHER WILSON

*New York-raised Angela Brown – now Princess Angela – became the first woman of primarily African descent to marry into a reigning European dynasty when she married Prince Maximilian of Leichtenstein in January 2000.
She studied fashion at the exclusive Parsons School of Design in New York before her 2000 wedding. Mother of one, her charitable work includes promoting biodiversity and conservation in Panama, and supporting local artisans.
*“Love Goddess” Rita Hayworth may not have done so much in the charitable field but she was an even bigger star than Grace Kelly, appearing in 61 films in 37 years during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Born in Brooklyn, the daughter of two dancers, she was raised the hard way but rose to become Fred Astaire’s favourite dance partner.

Sexy and glamorous, at the height of her fame she travelled to Cannes was introduced to Prince Aly Khan, son of the fabulously wealthy Aga Khan. They began a year-long courtship and were married on May 27, 1949.
Alas it didn’t last – and they separated in 1953. Their daughter Princess Yasmin Aga Khan is a Swiss-born American philanthropist known for raising public awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. Her half-brother is Prince Karim is the fourth and current Aga Khan.