How Did Meghan Markle Meet Prince Harry?

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry seemed to share nothing in common when romance rumors first swirled. What could an American actress, known for boldly making her presence known in the world with everything from a lifestyle blog to red carpet events, have in common with a British prince, famed for following the royal rules in the shadow of his older brother Prince William?

But doubters soon became believers. And as the two went more public with their romance, those rumors of quiet canoodling changed into an engagement. An elaborate wedding viewed around the world finally proved: Something magic happened when Meghan met Harry! So just how did that magical meeting occur? Find out below!

Who Set Up Meghan Markle’s Blind Date With Prince Harry?

When Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, mark their calendars for the new year, they might want to put glitter on July. In that month in 2016, an unnamed friend introduced the British royalty to the American actress, according to Town And Country.

And no one has yet solved the mystery of who set up that first blind date! Prince Harry referred to the individual as a “mutual friend” who made the introduction. As a result, some think that Harry’s friend Violet von Westenholz arranged for the couple’s blind date. Others, however, point to fashion designer Mischa Nonoo as the one who predicted the two would fall in love.

But whoever envisioned Harry and Meghan as a couple, Markle herself had no expectations prior to that first meeting. “Because I’m from the States, you don’t grow up with the same understanding of the royal family,” explained Meghan in an interview with the BBC. “I didn’t know much about him.” That situation, though, didn’t last long. 

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Dating Timeline: Off To Africa!

Looking back, the Duke of Sussex says he fell in love with the now Duchess of Sussex at that very first meeting. But Meghan Markle felt more cautious. “And he only thing that I had asked [our mutual friend] when she said that she wanted to set us up, was, ‘Well is he nice?’ Cause if he wasn’t kind, it just didn’t seem like it would make sense,” she recalled.

But that first meeting for a drink turned into something more special than a mere first date, Meghan now admits. “We met for a drink, and then I think very quickly into that we said, ‘Well what are we doing tomorrow? We should meet again.'”

A second date turned into an invitation from Prince Harry to travel with him to Africa. Joining her Prince Charming in Botswana, the two “camped out with each other under the stars,” recalled the Duke of Sussex. “Then we were really by ourselves, which was crucial to me to make sure that we had a chance to get to know each other.”

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Get Engaged And Wed!

Months of rumors and photos captured of the two together followed. And at last, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry officially announced their engagement on November 27, 2017. Wedding preparations quickly followed. 

And the wedding seemed perfect in every way. Held at Windsor Castle on May 19, the ceremony kept the spotlight on Meghan. She chose a gorgeous Givenchy gown for the ceremony, later slipping into a simple Stella McCartney frock for the reception at the Frogmore House.

What followed now seems like a whirlwind of events: The birth of an adorable baby, a battle with the royal family, a dash to settle in the U.S., interviews with media stars like Oprah who dropped multiple bombshells, and a second baby whose christening become a point of contention!

What do you think of how Meghan Markle and Prince Harry first met? Do you recall reading about those very first romance rumors? Share your royal views with us. And then check back on our site for all the royal family news!