Why Meghan Markle's life is no fairytale

Actress Meghan Markle speaking in New York. Photo / Getty

She is marking her 36th birthday with a romantic getaway at a "honeymoon hotspot" in Botswana after being whisked away by her prince.

According to the Daily Mail, Meghan Markle has reminded fans her life hasn't always been a fairytale after opening up in a candid interview about race.

The Suits actress spoke to Pride magazine about growing up "ethnically ambiguous" with a black parent - and being on the receiving end of racist jokes.

Markle, who also recalled her African-American mother Doria being called the N-word, told the magazine she felt an "obligation" to speak about being half-black.

Appearing on the cover of Pride magazine's July issue, Markle told how she has overheard racist jokes from people who did not realise she had a black parent.

She said: "I don't care if I'm fair-skinned and I don't care what it is, that's who I am and that's my family.

"My hope is for the world to get to a place where it's colour-blind."

Markle may soon have something to celebrate as bookies have slashed the odds on Harry getting down on one knee this week.

Insiders say Harry has had marriage on his mind for months - but this week's romantic getaway has sent the rumour mill into overdrive.

After wrapping filming for Suits last month, Meghan flew to London, where the pair then went on to southern Africa for their adventure.

Botswana is close to Harry's heart thanks to his work with wildlife conservation - and he has also romanced former flames Natalie Pinkham, Chelsy Davy and Cressida Bonas there.

According to the Sunday Express, Ladbrokes have cut the odds to 6/4 that Harry will propose to his actress girlfriend while on holiday.

A spokesperson for the betting company said: "It's a case of when and not if Harry pops the question and royal punters are convinced it will be while the happy couple are on holiday."

The pair met in Orlando, Florida in May last year and have gone to great lengths to keep their trans-Atlantic love affair under wraps.

While Markle celebrated turning 36 on Friday; her boyfriend will turn 33 in just a few weeks.