Prince Harry knew Meghan Markle was special the moment he spotted her photo during an Instagram scroll. But in a bid to protect her from the blinding media spotlight of royal life, he was desperate to keep their relationship secret.
After spending their first few dates in private rooms of London members clubs, the couple got to know each other during cosy nights in at Harry’s Kensington Palace cottage and on romantic holidays to places that are special to them both.
But after a few months, Harry decided to widen their bubble and introduced the American actress to his nearest and dearest.
Writing in his book Spare, Harry said the first meetings with friends went really well so he decided to take things to the next step - introducing his girlfriend to his family.
Prince William and Princess Kate were up first, with Harry sharing the exciting news during a dinner at their London home.
He claims his brother “knew something was going on” and wanted to know more.
After Prince George and Princess Charlotte were tucked up in bed, Harry took the plunge - but not until Kate and William had promised to keep his news secret.
He started by saying the new woman in his life was an American actress, and then said she was on Suits.
Harry writes: “Their mouths fell open. They turned to each other. Then Willy turned to me and said: ‘F*** off”.
He claims the couple then said it was impossible, leaving Harry baffled.
Kate and William then revealed they were huge fans of Suits, so knew exactly who Meghan was.
Later in the book, Harry recalls their first meeting - admitting he was more nervous for that introduction than he was the Queen’s.
He writes: “After a wait the door opened and there was my big brother, a bit dressed up. Nice trousers, nice shirt, open collar. I introduced Meg, who leaned in and gave him a hug, which completely freaked him out. He recoiled.
“Willy didn’t hug strangers, whereas Meg hugged most strangers. The moment was a classic collision of cultures, like a flashlight-torch, which felt both funny and charming.”
It was only a flying visit as Harry and William were heading on a shooting trip, but they exchanged a few “warm words”.
