Meeting the British royal family is no small task, and for Meghan Markle, it was an experience filled with anticipation and nerves.
The Duchess of Sussex recently opened up about her initial impressions of Princess Kate during a private dinner she hosted with Prince Harry.
This intimate gathering, held in 2016, marked a significant moment in Meghan’s life as she navigated the complexities of joining one of the world’s most famous families.
It all began when Prince Harry spotted Meghan on Instagram and decided to ask her out to dinner at Soho House in London.
What started as a casual meal quickly blossomed into a deeper connection.
After several dates, the couple embarked on a week-long camping trip that solidified their bond.
Their engagement in 2017 brought even more public attention to their relationship, leading to a memorable interview with BBC’s Michel Hussain, where they reminisced about Meghan’s first meeting with Kate.
Harry described the excitement of keeping their relationship under wraps initially, noting that he and Meghan were neighbors to William and Kate.
He fondly recalled how the couple managed to meet a few times before the engagement.
“Catherine has been nothing short of delightful ever since,” Harry remarked, highlighting the warmth he felt from his brother’s wife.
Meghan chimed in, simply calling the experience “wonderful.”
The Duchess also shared her thoughts on the late Queen, recalling her first encounter with the monarch.
Meghan expressed a deep respect for the opportunity to spend time with the Queen, emphasizing how seeing her through Harry’s eyes added layers of meaning to their meeting.
The love and admiration Harry held for his grandmother were palpable, making the experience even more special for Meghan.
However, the landscape of their lives has shifted dramatically since those early days.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from their roles as working royals and relocated to California, where they now raise their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
This transition has not been without its challenges, particularly following Meghan’s revelations during a high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021.
In that conversation, Meghan made headlines by alleging that a senior family member had questioned the skin color of their son, Archie.
This shocking claim sparked widespread discussion and controversy, further complicating the Sussexes’ relationship with the royal family.
Adding to the intrigue, royal author Omid Scobie released his book “Endgame” in late 2023, which suggested that two unnamed royals had been implicated in the comments regarding Archie’s skin tone.