Let’s talk about one of the most iconic royal love stories of our time—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. You’ve probably seen them on the news, in magazines, or scrolling through social media. They’ve had their fair share of ups and downs, but one thing’s for sure: their connection is real. And it all started with a single date. Now, thanks to the upcoming book Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of A Modern Royal Family, we’re getting an inside look at how it all began. Closer Weekly has exclusively obtained the details, and trust me, it’s a heartwarming tale.
How It All Began: A Blind Date Set Up by Friends
It was the summer of 2016 when Meghan Markle, then a successful actress on the hit show Suits, found herself ready to dive back into the dating pool after her divorce from film producer Trevor Engelson in 2013. Enter her friends, Misha Nonoo and Markus Anderson, who decided it was time to play matchmaker. They set up a blind date between Meghan, 39, and Prince Harry, 35. Little did they know, this casual introduction would change both of their lives forever.
The First Encounter: Harry’s Reaction to Meghan

Now, Meghan didn’t exactly know much about Prince Harry beyond what she’d read in the tabloids, but she was curious. She wanted to meet the real Harry, not the version the media had painted. So, when she walked into that room and saw him for the first time, it was clear this was going to be different. According to royal journalists Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, who interviewed over 100 sources for their book, Harry “almost froze” when he saw Meghan. He wasn’t just impressed; he was blown away. She was even more beautiful in person than he could have imagined.
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The Date: Three Hours of Pure Connection
They spent nearly three hours together, laughing, talking, and discovering just how much they had in common. By the end of the evening, there was no denying the chemistry between them. Sure, there wasn’t a dramatic goodbye kiss (this wasn’t a movie, after all), but something special was brewing. As soon as Harry got home, he couldn’t wait to text Meghan, who was already back at her hotel room. And here’s the fun part: Harry used a ghost emoji instead of a traditional smiley face to express his feelings. Meghan thought it was hilarious and adorable—a little quirky detail that showed just how unique their bond was from the very beginning.
From Secret Dates to Public Romance
After that first date, Harry and Meghan began seeing each other more frequently, keeping things private while the press remained none the wiser. It wasn’t until November 2016 that Harry officially announced they were dating. Fast forward a year, and the couple was engaged. Then, in May 2018, they tied the knot in a breathtaking ceremony at Windsor Castle. Today, they’re living a quieter life in Los Angeles with their son, Archie, focusing on family and their humanitarian work.
Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of A Modern Royal Family dives deep into their journey, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most talked-about relationships of our time. The book hits shelves on August 11, 2020, so mark your calendars!


