Meeting and Courtship
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry first met in July 2016, when they were introduced by a mutual friend. Meghan was already a successful actress, best known for her role in the TV series "Suits." Prince Harry was, of course, a member of the British royal family, and a frequent subject of media attention.
According to Meghan, their first meeting was very casual. They met for drinks and quickly hit it off, discussing everything from their shared interest in philanthropy to their love of dogs. Despite their chemistry, however, they both were cautious about starting a relationship.
In the months that followed, Meghan and Harry kept in touch through text and phone calls. They went on a few secret dates, but made a conscious effort to keep their relationship out of the public eye. It wasn't until November 2016 that news of their relationship broke, when Kensington Palace issued a statement confirming their romance.
Love at First Sight?
So, was it love at first sight for Meghan and Harry? According to both of them, it wasn't quite that simple. In an interview with the BBC after their engagement, Harry said that he had never heard of Meghan before they met. He was intrigued by her, but it wasn't until they got to know each other that he realized he was falling in love.
Meghan has been similarly candid about their courtship. In a 2017 interview with Vanity Fair, she said, "We're two people who are really happy and in love." However, she also noted that they took things slow in the beginning, getting to know each other as friends before anything romantic developed.
The Proposal and Wedding
Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle in November 2017, during a cozy night in at their home in Nottingham Cottage. He designed the engagement ring himself, using diamonds from his mother's personal collection.
Their wedding, which took place on May 19, 2018, was a lavish affair attended by royalty, celebrities, and thousands of well-wishers. Meghan wore a stunning custom gown by British designer Clare Waight Keller, and Harry sported his military uniform.
But their wedding was more than just a grand event; it was a reflection of their values as a couple. Meghan, who is biracial, included several nods to her heritage in the ceremony, from the gospel choir to the African-American bishop who delivered the sermon.
So, did Meghan Markle want to marry Harry before she met him, or was it love at first sight? The truth, as it often is, lies somewhere in between. Meghan and Harry were certainly attracted to each other from the start, but they also took the time to get to know each other as friends before diving into a romantic relationship.
Their courtship was marked by a mutual respect and admiration for each other's passions and values. And in the end, their love story resulted in a beautiful marriage that has captured the hearts of people around the world.
