Meghan Markle's best friend has insisted she hasn't been changed by fame.

Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle

The 35-year-old actress - who is best known for her role as Rachel Zane in 'Suits' - was catapulted to world wide fame last year when she struck up a relationship with her boyfriend Prince Harry, but her best friend Lindsay Roth says dating the royal hasn't changed her "selfless" nature.

Lindsay said: "I don't know many people who are as generous and supportive as Meg is. I think people assume that when someone gains notoriety that they change. But she's still the same girl I met years ago, with the same values and priorities. She's selfless, and that's just a part of who she is and who she was raised to be."

And Lindsay has also praised Meghan - who began dating the 32-year-old royal almost a year ago - for being a "strong advocate for women and girls" both in the public eye and behind the scenes.

She added: "While the public sees Meg as a strong advocate for women and girls, she is one behind the scenes too -- she's that friend who staunchly supports her friends' dreams, is present even when she's physically not present because she's in Toronto filming, gives you her honest opinion even if it differs from yours and has the most kind heart.

"I have years' worth of hand-written notes and cards that Meg has sent to me in the best of times, while I was going through hard times and also fun, saying hello, missing-you, motivational go-for-your-dreams cards."

Lindsay also stated the actress lives by the motto "I choose happiness", and it's a phrase she's kept with her for years.

She told People magazine: "There's a motto that Meg and I have consistently come back to throughout the years: 'I choose happiness. It's a constant reminder to be self-aware, be uniquely you, be happy and to treat people with respect; to be kind, empathetic and to really learn from those around you in any circumstance. Meg does that."