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Before Meghan Markle met Prince Harry and became future royalty, she was just another Los Angeles-based model and actress with dreams of success and stardom.

Sure, she enjoyed some pre-Harry success and lived out every young girl’s fantasy of starring in a USA Network legal drama.

But it wasn’t always easy for her.

Like so many others struggling to make it in Hollywood from humble beginnings, Meghan had to pay her dues.

And in her case, that meant holding a briefcase and pretending to be amused by Howie Mandel.

Fortunately, Deal or No Deal was taken off the air due to a government probe into the inhumane demands of its producers.

Or it was canceled because everyone got sick of watching a super-elaborate version of "guess how many fingers I’m holding behind my back."

We forget which.

Whatever the case (pun fully intended), there’s been a resurgence of interest in the show now that one of its former models is soon to become a royal.

And this week, the retroactive ogling has taken on a seasonal tone, thanks to this photo of Meghan wearing a sexy Santa outfit.

Unlike the other girls, Meghan seems to be genuinely enjoying Howie’s antics in this pic, which is a testament to her acting ability.

It’s also a reminder that Meghan is the opposite of a stuffy royal, which is probably exactly why Harry was drawn to her.

And of course, like the now-famous photo of her in college, this pic reminds us that Meghan hasn’t aged, and presumably will never age.

That’s also a pretty nice bonus for ya boy Harold.

In a way, we suppose being a briefcase girl on Deal or No Deal is pretty good preparation for life as a royal.

You have to spend a lot of time – nay, most of it – standing around doing virtually nothing and pretending you’re not bored out of your mind.

You have to feign joy whenever the peasants get all excited.

And of course, you have to await the deaths of those more powerful than yourself, so that you can move up the briefcase girl line of succession.

We’re pretty sure that’s how it works.

The important thing to remember is: Meghan proved that the always-questionable sexy Santa get-up can work under certain circumstances.

And for that, we thank her.

Meghan Markle: 16 Things to Know About Prince Harry’s Love

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