Meghan to Page 3 star – famous faces who've dated and married into royalty
While many of us dream about marrying a prince or princess, it's just a fantasy for most.
Royals are known for marrying within their own circles to keep the 'blue blood' flowing, but some celebs and sports stars have managed to break this mould.
The most famous example is American socialite Wallis Simpson, who won the heart of King Edward VIII. He loved her so much that he gave up the British throne to marry her! And she's not the only one. The British Royal Family are currently secretly celebrating, according to reports, after the late Queen Elizbeth's true feelings about Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to name their daughter Lilibet were revealed.
Here, we look at some famous faces who once dated or even married members of various Royal Families.
Meghan Markle
Meghan and Harry married in 2018Actress Meghan Markle started dating Prince Harry in 2016 after they first met via Instagram, despite also claiming they were set up on a blind date by a friend. The couple went public with their relationship in September 2017 at an event in Toronto. Just two months later, it was announced that Suits star Meghan and Harry had become engaged to marry.
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Following their engagement, Meghan went on to be baptised by Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury before their wedding on May 19, 2018, at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. Meghan previously claimed they had a private exchange of vows three days earlier in their garden. These, however, were not legally binding.
Just two years after their wedding, they shocked the world and announced their decision to quit as senior working members of the family. Now, they live in Montecito, California, with their two children.
Caroline Flack
The late Caroline Flack dated Prince Harry (PA)
Harry described Caroline as 'fun' (Getty Images)The late Love Island host was once Prince Harry's girlfriend while he was still in the Armed Forces. In her autobiography, Flack said they were introduced by a mutual friend and spent "the evening chatting and laughing".
But their romance didn't last long. Once the news got out, Caroline said in her autobiography: "Once the story got out, that was it. We had to stop seeing each other. I was no longer Caroline Flack, TV presenter, I was Caroline Flack, Prince Harry's bit of rough."
Meanwhile, in his memoir, Spare, Prince Harry wrote that Caroline was "funny, sweet and cool," and that she was "taken aback that I didn't recognise her." The Duke of Sussex continued: "She didn’t have a big ego. Very soon after they papped me and Flack, those photos set off a frenzy. Within hours a mob was camped outside Flack's parents' house, all her friends' houses, and her grandparents' house." He added that their relationship was "tainted" and despite enjoying each others company, had to call it off.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell is rumoured to have dated Prince Albert of Monaco (Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Naomi has never addressed their alleged romance (Getty Images)The iconic supermodel, Naomi Campbell, stole the hearts of many by appearing on global magazine covers and catwalks. She is alleged to have captured the heart of Prince Albert II of Monaco too after they met at the Cannes Film Festival in 1995.
Their encounters included date nights across Paris and London, as well as appearances at high-profile events such as the Red Cross Ball in Monte Carlo. However, their romance was short-lived; with Naomi moving on to Leonardo DiCaprio and Prince Albert marrying Olympian Charlene Wittstock.
Caroline Stanbury
Caroline Stanbury was once linked to Prince Andrew (Getty Images)
She is believed to still be friends with the Duke and Duchess of York (UK Press via Getty Images)One of the original "IT" girls and an ITV's Ladies of London star, also dated royalty. She was linked romantically with Prince Andrew in 2000 just after his break up with Sarah, The Duchess of York.
Prince Andrew even reputedly took her to a posh event in Martha's Vineyard, attended by Bill and Hillary Clinton amongst others. Despite parting ways allegedly due to media scrutiny, it appears the two remained cordial, with Caroline often engaging with Sarah's Instagram posts.
Sophie Winkleman
Peep Show star Sophie Winkleman married into royalty in 2009 (Getty Images)
The actress has continued with her acting career and has the full support of her in-laws (Getty Images)Sophie, known as Big Suze from the Peep Show series, created a buzz when she married into the British Royal Family. The actress met Lord Frederick Windsor, her party-loving husband, during a night out in 2007.
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Claudia Winkleman's sister got engaged on Valentine's Day in 2009 and tied the knot in a grand Royal wedding at Hampton Court Palace later that year. Despite marrying into royalty, the 43-year-old stunner chose not to use her new title, Lady Frederick Windsor, for work.
She later starred in the Oscar-nominated film, Love Live Long. They are currently 53rd in line to the throne, following his father Prince Michael of Kent the late Queen's first cousin. Sophie remains close to her in-laws and describes King Charles as a "dear friend".
Sofia Hellqvist
Former glamour model Sofia Hellqvist stole the heart of Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and later became Princess Sofia (Willi Schneider/REX Shutterstock)Swedish Page 3 model Sofia Hellqvist became famous after posing topless, with only a snake covering her, for Swedish lads' mag Slitz.
She was later named Miss Slitz in 2004. After gaining fame as a lads' mag girl, she landed a TV role in 2005, appearing on Swedish reality show Paradise Hotel before being kicked out during the final.
The brunette beauty met Prince Carl Philip of Sweden in 2010 through a mutual friend after Sofia returned to Sweden from New York. Sofia and Prince Carol announced their engagement in June 2014 and married in June 2015. They have two children.
The former model is now known as Princess Sofia, Duchess of Varmland.
Camilla Thurlow
Camilla Thurlow once worried she would be known as 'Harry's girl' (Getty Images)Former Love Island star Camilla Thurlow was linked to Prince Harry in 2014 after his split from Cressida Bonas.
But neither the Prince nor reality star confirmed their romance and before entering Love Island, she explained she was not going to discuss their relationship. At the time, she told the Mirror: "You'll know more than me but I think I feel like I've spent such a long time neglecting my personal life and I do want to give myself the chance of meeting someone.
"So I don't want anything in my past to affect the possibility of that happening. If someone on the show asks about it, I don't really talk about exes anyway, I don't like that you're speaking for both parties and I'm quite private about that sort of thing." She went on to add that she was worried she would be known as "Harry's girl" but the show was a good place to show the real her.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]
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