The Truth About Meghan Markle's First Time Meeting William And Kate
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It seems like the world just can't get over its fascination with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. While some of the attention is positive, there's also been a cruel side to media coverage, so much so that Harry and Meghan cut ties with some major publications. However, that hasn't stopped outlets and authors from penning pieces about the couple.
On Aug. 11, 2020, Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family hit the shelves. According to USA Today the unauthorized biography provides an in depth account of Harry and Meghan's side of their royal departure. Even though the couple allegedly didn't have anything to do with the book, CNN's royal commentator Victoria Arbiter — who also happens to be the daughter of the former royal press secretary — noted that the biography is "covered in the Sussex's fingerprints," per the outlet.
The book seemingly doesn't miss a thing and delineates Meghan's introduction into royal life, including one pivotal moment: when she met Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Meghan Markle called Kate Middleton 'wonderful'
According to Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family (via the Daily Mail), Meghan Markle first met Kate Middleton and Prince William in January 2017, just one day after Kate's birthday. Given the circumstances, Meghan reportedly brought a gift along for their first meeting. So what did the former Suits actress give her future sister-in-law? A "soft leather Smythson notebook," which allegedly "helped to break the ice."
Meghan's choice to buy something from the Smythson brand was very thoughtful considering the royal family has had affiliations with the stationary company for over a century, according to the Evening Standard.
In their November 2017 interview with BBC, Prince Harry and Meghan spoke about their introductions to each other's families. Meghan said, "His family's been so welcoming," adding, "The family has been great and over the past year and a half, we've just had a really nice time getting to know them and progressively helping me feel a part of not just the institution but also part of the family, which has been really special."
When asked specifically about Meghan meeting William and Kate, Harry explained: "William was longing to meet [Meghan] and so was Catherine, so you know being our neighbors we managed to get that in a couple of, well, quite a few times now and Catherine has been absolutely ..." Meghan filled in the word, saying, "Wonderful."
The relationship may not have stayed so wonderful, but at least the beginning of Meghan and Kate's relationship was seemingly positive.