How Did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Meet? All About Their Not-So-Royal but Fairytale Love Story

Published 10/26/2025, 8:45 AM EDT

Long before their fairytale romance captivated the world, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry lived lives that seemed to belong to entirely different worlds. She was a successful actress carving her path in Hollywood, and he was a prince navigating royal duty and public life under immense scrutiny. Yet fate had other plans, bringing them together in a way that felt almost cinematic. 

What began as a simple introduction between two people curious about each other soon blossomed into one of the most talked-about love stories of modern times.

So, how did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry actually meet?

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s romance began in a distinctly modern way — through Instagram. In the Harry & Meghan docuseries, the couple revealed that Prince Harry first noticed Markle in a video with a mutual friend. Intrigued, he asked who she was, and the friend suggested they meet. They eventually exchanged numbers, setting the stage for a royal love story born in the digital age.

Their first in-person meeting followed soon after. As they later confirmed in their engagement interview per PEOPLE, the two met on a blind date in early July 2016, arranged by that same anonymous friend. Meghan Markle recalled how quickly their connection grew, leading to back-to-back dates in London. She told Vanity Fair that they had been dating quietly for about six months before the public found out. Cut to now, it is a well-known fact that the couple cannot be separated, come what may. 

Meghan Markle’s 6 Simple Yet Sweet Rituals With Her Family That Prove Royals Are Just Like Us

Through the highest highs and lowest lows, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry embody a love often seen only on TV screens.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s life as a married couple

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have stood by each other through intense scrutiny, building a life on their own terms. Although Prince Harry initially faced criticism for marrying a divorced American actress, he remained steadfast in his choice. In 2020, the couple stepped back from royal duties and settled in California, prioritizing independence and privacy amid concerns over Markle’s safety in the United Kingdom. Prince Harry has openly defended Markle against unfair treatment, and together they have created a separate path focused on family and purpose. They are now parents to two children.

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Ultimately, from a chance encounter sparked on Instagram to building a life oceans away from royal tradition, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s story feels both modern and timeless. What began as simple curiosity between two people soon became a partnership rooted in defiance and devotion. Today, they stand as proof that love can flourish even under the world’s harshest spotlight, a bond born online, tested by reality, and sustained by the courage to live life on their own terms.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Eye Return to UK: A New Chapter for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex?

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What do you think about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s first meeting and their life after that? Let us know in the comments.

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Seema Sinha

516 articles

Seema Sinha is a journalist at Netflix Junkie, covering the celebrity culture and global cinema beats. With three years of experience at major Hollywood media verticals, she filters real news from the gossip and buzz. Her core focus is on pop culture narratives surrounding musicians—primarily Taylor Swift—with her reporting striking a fine balance between human insight and editorial clarity.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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