Meghan Markle Reportedly Turned Down Date With Football Star Ashley Cole Before Meeting Prince Harry
Meghan Markle was reportedly asked out by footballer Ashley Cole before meeting Prince Harry—but a journalist’s advice changed everything.
Journalist Reveals Why the Former Suits Star Avoided a Potential Romance With the Famous Athlete
Before her life as a royal began, Meghan Markle was reportedly approached by English footballer Ashley Cole, but a surprising reason kept their paths from crossing romantically.
Journalist Katie Hind Claims She Dissuaded Meghan From Meeting the Footballer
British journalist Katie Hind revealed in a Daily Mail column that Ashley Cole expressed interest in the future Duchess of Sussex nearly a decade ago. At the time, Meghan was best known for her role in the TV series Suits, and had not yet met Prince Harry.
Despite Cole’s interest, the date never materialized. According to Hind, she advised Meghan against meeting the footballer—an intervention that may have significantly altered the course of royal history.
A “Sliding Doors” Moment That Might Have Changed Royal History
Reflecting on the moment, Hind described it as a “sliding doors” scenario—one that could have shaped both Meghan and Harry’s futures differently.
“And if they had [dated], would Prince Harry still be a working royal here in the UK, a valued and popular member of the Firm, close to his father Charles, brother William, and sister-in-law Kate?” she wrote.
She added that had Meghan chosen a different romantic path, Prince Harry might have ended up settling down with a past flame—such as Chelsy Davy or Cressida Bonas—or someone entirely new.
Meghan and Harry’s Real Love Story Began in 2016
It’s well known that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry met on a blind date in 2016, which quickly led to a whirlwind romance. The couple tied the knot in May 2018 and later stepped back from their royal roles, eventually relocating to Montecito, California.
Now raising two children—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to divide public opinion with their life away from the British royal family.
----
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Ashley Cole, Meghan Markle dating history, Duchess of Sussex, royal family news, Suits actress, British royals, Katie Hind journalist, Meghan Markle blind date, Prince Harry and Meghan love story, celebrity footballers, Meghan Markle and Ashley Cole, royal relationships, Meghan Markle before Prince Harry
