Meghan Markle celebrated Independence Day and the ninth anniversary of her and Prince Harry’s second date by sharing a sweet, never-before-seen selfie. And I couldn’t help but notice something striking about the picture: just how happy they looked on only their second date.
The Duchess of Sussex posted the photo on Instagram with the caption, “Our second date was the 4th of July 2016, and H brought me cupcakes to celebrate. Now, all these years later, our two children are in on the tradition.”
In the photo (second in the slideshow above), Meghan and Prince Harry look incredibly happy with giant smiles on their faces, holding each other cheek-to-cheek. As PureWow's VP of News and Entertainment Philip Mutz points out, "Their body language suggests that they were comfortable with one another off the bat. Most second date photos aren't quite as PDA- or joy-filled. Clearly the pair had a connection immediately."
The duchess also posted a picture of decorative red-white-and-blue cupcakes made with the pair's two children, Archie (6) and Lilibet (4), adding, “Happy Independence Day! May your day be as sweet as these cupcakes.”
Prince Harry and Meghan first began dating in 2016, tying the knot in an elaborate ceremony two years later in May 2018. Since then, they have frequently been photographed sharing physical affection.
As Rachel Bowie, PureWow's senior director of special projects and royals, writes about royal PDA, “Breaking royal protocol? PDA does not. (The effort to keep things formal is more likely related to British decorum than anything else.) But it’s much less typical to catch these types of moments within the monarchy, whereas, for Harry and Meghan, it’s the norm.”
Bowie continues, "I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the lovey-dovey displays they tend to sneak in and demonstrate, often in the presence of others. It’s one of the quickest ways to make others feel at ease, not to mention draw a line between their personal and professional sides. More than anything, it adds to their relatability.”
One thing is for sure: just one year short of the tenth anniversary of their second date, Meghan and Harry seem the happiest they’ve ever been.
Want all the latest royal news sent right to your inbox? Click here.
