Meghan Markle on Ellen DeGeneres: what did Duchess of Sussex say in interview - and can I watch it in UK?

The Duchess of Sussex hasn’t always been a successful HBO actress or married to a prince, as she divulged in a surprise appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres talk show.

Meghan Markle sat down with the US talk show host to reveal what life was like before she was known for her fame and fortune, as an amateur actress who’s car door didn’t even open.

The sitdown comes as her grandmother-in-law, the queen, recovers from a back strain and the royal family step up to fulfil the 95-year-old’s formal duties to allow her to rest.

So, what did Meghan say in the chat with Ellen, did she reveal more about her relationship with the royal family - and will it air in the UK? This is what you need to know.

What did Meghan say on Ellen?

The interview is likely part of Meghan’s promotion for her new book, as the former actress and member of the royals has now taken up writing.

Her new children’s book, The Bench, is a picture book with was published back in June.

However, in the interview with her old friend, Meghan discusses her acting career and the less glamorous side of chasing her dreams as a TV star.

Talking about her experience interviewing at Warner Bros. studios in California, where Ellen’s show is also filmed, Meghan said: “I would park at Gate 3, and then I would scoot on over. And what was so nice was that the security guards here would always say, ‘Break a leg! We hope you get it!’ So driving in today was very different."

DeGeneres asked: "You auditioned that often that they knew you to say, ‘Break a leg?’"

"I think they probably said it to everybody," Meghan answered. "That’s how nice they were."

The 40-year-old also joked that her old car, a Ford Explorer Sport, had “a life of its own.”

"I had this very, very old Ford Explorer Sport, and at a certain point, the key stopped working on the driver’s side, so you couldn’t get yourself in through the door," she said.

"So after auditions, I would park in the back of the parking lot, and I would open the trunk and climb in, and then pull it shut behind me, and crawl over all my seats to get out. That’s how I would come to and fro. It was not ideal,” she added.

DeGeneres urged the Duchess to share more, “did anyone ever see you,” she asked.

"No," Meghan quipped. "I would play it off. I would go like, ‘Oh, I’m just looking for my résumé and my highlighters for my script. Oh, maybe it’s back there!’ And then crawl. The things we do."

It is unclear whether she mentioned her estranged relationship with some members of the royals, as commentators of the Queen said all eyes would be on the interview when it goes out.

Harry didn’t attend the interview, and no teasers of the interview show him contributing in any way.

It has also been confirmed that Meghan and Harry will not return to England to celebrate Christmas with the Queen and the extended family.

It will be the first celebration without the late Prince Philip.

How does Meghan know Ellen?

Ellen and Meghan have been friends for some time, having met at a dog shelter where DeGeneres encouraged her to adopt her dog Bogart.

Meghan said of her first meeting with Ellen: "Ellen goes ‘Is that your dog?’ and I was like’’No,’ and she’s like, ‘You have to take that dog.’ And I said, ‘Well, I’m deciding.’ And she’s like, ‘Rescue the dog!’"

She added: "It’s sort of like if Oprah tells you to do something. I’m sitting there holding him and she’s like ‘Have you thought of a name for him yet?’ And I said, ‘Well, I think I’d name him Bogart,’ and she’s like ‘You’re taking the dog home.’"

Announcing the interview on Twitter, Ellen said: "A lot has changed since the last time Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, was on the Warner Brothers lot."

Will Meghan Markle on Ellen be shown in the UK?

The interview is set to air on CBS on Thursday, 18 November in the US.

Following the usual pattern in which Ellen releases her shows in the UK, it is anticipated that it will air on Thursday 24 at 2pm in the UK.