Back in 2015, few would have predicted that Prince Harry would meet, fall in love with, and marry Meghan Markle, the well-known actress from the television show Suits. Even more unlikely was the idea that just two years post their nuptials, they’d choose to step back from royal duties and later voice significant criticisms against the royal family.
Despite the odds, that’s precisely how events unfolded. Meeting in 2016, Harry and Meghan’s love blossomed quickly. By 2018, they tied the knot at St George’s Chapel. However, by that time, discord had already begun brewing between the Sussexes and Prince William along with Kate Middleton. Harry has since disclosed that William questioned the depth of his relationship with Meghan, and noted the challenges between Meghan and Kate.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s Unexpected Love Story
Their first meeting was a date Meghan fondly remembered as “refreshingly fun,” lasting nearly an hour. The serendipity of a second meeting the following day—despite Meghan being a tad late—cemented their unique bond. Though initially separated by distance and keeping their relationship under wraps from the world, nothing deterred their growing affection.
Once news of their relationship broke, Meghan faced intense scrutiny from the tabloids. By November 2016, Harry chose to publicly confirm their relationship as a means to protect Meghan from the racially charged coverage she was experiencing.
Defending Meghan Against Unwanted Attention
In his memoir Spare, Harry stresses his commitment to shielding Meghan. However, the public statement defending her reportedly angered both King Charles and Prince William.
Meghan’s Surprising Encounter With William and Kate
In 2023, the Sussexes released a Netflix special offering a candid glimpse into their lives, even sharing moments with their children, Archie and Lilibet. While revisiting their time within the royal fold, Harry divulged details about the strained relationship between Meghan and Kate.
Their initial meeting was less than perfect. Meghan noticed how William recoiled at her attempt to greet him with a hug, being unaccustomed to such warmth from strangers.
Authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, in their book Finding Freedom, state that tensions between Meghan and Kate did not begin as a feud but stemmed from unfamiliarity. With Scobie having close links with Harry and Meghan, his insights hold considerable weight.
According to the authors, Kate did not extend the welcome Meghan had hoped for, leaving her without the anticipated guidance to navigate royal expectations. Originally, Meghan thought Kate would mentor her through the complexities of joining ‘The Firm,’ but this never transpired.
Harry’s memoir describes how his revelation about dating Meghan left William and Kate at a loss for words. They were simply “speechless” upon learning about his romance with Meghan, an actress they didn’t anticipate in his life.
William’s Concerns About Harry’s Intense Romance
While Prince William initially seemed charmed by Meghan, he also had reservations. From their whirlwind beginning on a blind date, Harry and Meghan’s relationship rapidly intensified, drawing William’s concern for Harry to proceed cautiously.
Harry, feeling “pissed off” at William’s suggestion to slow down and his reference to Meghan as “the girl,” brushed his brother’s worries aside.
In defiance of doubts about their compatibility, Harry and Meghan forged ahead, ultimately leaving behind their royal roles. They now thrive as a family with two children, though their candid remarks about the monarchy have stirred significant controversy.
Their path may have been unexpected, but Harry and Meghan’s story continues to capture the world’s interest, challenging the norms of royal life and shaping their own version of happiness beyond the palace gates.
