Meghan in action for World Vision. Credit: World Vision
Booked a London vacation this spring? With the royal wedding fast approaching on May 19, anticipation is mounting prior to the Windsor Castle nuptials. But what do you know about the budding bride and leading lady? Meghan Markle is already proving to be an inspirational royal role model. Here are five things that may surprise you about the 36-year-old American princess-to-be.
1. Her real name isn’t Meghan. It’s actually Rachel
Harry and Meghan. Credit: Karwai Tang/Getty Images
Just like her Suits character Rachel Zane, Meghan is in fact called Rachel. However, her full birth name is Rachel Meghan Markle, so we can see why she chose the cutely alliterating moniker Meghan Markle instead. The real mystery is what she’ll be called after her marriage. Rachel, Duchess of Sussex perhaps? Or will she fight to keep Meghan in the frame and change her name legally? After all, Harry’s first name is really Henry, so there’s room for maneuver.
2. Serena Williams is her bestie
The final of the Gentlemen’s Singles between Marin Cilic (CRO) and Roger Federer (SUI) on Centre Court in 2017. Credit: Wimbledon/AELTC/Florian Eisele
Strong and successful women, Serena and Meghan are best friends. But in this love all game, will Serena be maid of honor? To see tennis stars on Wimbledon’s hallowed grass, book a trip to London during the championship. Is there anything more British than strawberries and cream on the lawn while Andy Murray struts his stuff? You might even catch the Williams sisters in action. For more London events in July consult our handy guide.
3. Harry had a crush on Meghan before getting together
Kensington Palace – where they announced their engagement. Credit: Visit London
It was reported in a British documentary When Harry Met Meghan: A Royal Romance that Harry has had his eye on Meghan for the last two years. When asked once who his ideal woman was, he swiftly answered: “Rachel from Suits”.
4. Feathered friends? Harry proposed over a roast chicken
Well, they were preparing it together for a cozy night in at Harry’s Kensington Palace cottage! Meghan is an accomplished cook in her own right and a gourmet at heart. What better way for Harry to pop the question than over her favorite dish? Fancy your own romantic chicken dinner in London? Vintage-chic French-inspired Brasserie Zédel near Piccadilly Circus usually serves Poulet Grillé à L’Ail et Frites (grilled spatchcock chicken with garlic butter and fries). On Mondays, they spice things up with special dish Poulet au Curry (chicken curry). Afterward, retreat to Zédel’s Bar Américain, an Art Deco-styled classic American cocktail bar to toast your night together.
5. She’s a passionate humanitarian just like Princess Diana
Meghan is not unlike Princess Diana.
Everyone has to start somewhere and Meghan got her first break as a ‘suitcase girl’ on US TV game show Deal or No Deal. She went on to star in Suits as a paralegal and was the most Googled actress of 2016. From 2016 to 2017 she became a global ambassador for children’s charity World Vision. Big-hearted duo Harry and Meghan have since bonded over their love of charity work. It’s already been noted that Meghan is proactive and opinionated, not unlike Princess Diana – which is exactly why we love her.
Princess-worthy pampering
Check out our elegant Austen apartment for a regal London holiday, just a 10-minute stroll from Kensington Palace and its glorious gardens. The Diana Memorial Fountain and Diana Memorial Playground are also nearby. If you book by 31 March, you’ll enjoy 10 percent off stays in 2018. It sleeps up to four in two bedrooms, with a pretty blue-accented living and dining room, and access to a lovely communal garden.
Windsor Castle.
To make the most of the romantic royal mood, plan a trip to Windsor Castle this May. We also offer bespoke tours and itineraries so contact us today for more information. Our current sale offers up to 30 percent off our regal residences, so you can snag a bargain. Read more on our Windsor Castle tour and browse some of our nearby vacation rentals for an exciting engagement of your own.
