Image Source: Unsplash
Introduction
Meghan Markle, now known as the Duchess of Sussex, captured the world’s attention when she married Prince Harry in a fairytale wedding. However, her journey to finding her Prince Charming was not without its ups and downs. Before meeting Harry, Meghan had a colorful relationship history that included several significant relationships. In this article, we will take a closer look at Meghan Markle’s dating timeline and the notable individuals she was involved with before finding her true love.
Steve Lepore: Meghan’s First Love
Meghan Markle’s romantic journey began during her time at Northwestern University in Chicago, where she met basketball star Steve Lepore. Steve and Meghan dated for five months before their relationship came to an end when Steve accepted an offer at a college in North Carolina. According to royal biographer Andrew Morton, the couple was described as “quite the pair.”
Shaun Zaken: College Romance
During her college years, Meghan Markle also dated fellow actor Shaun Zaken. The pair’s relationship lasted for six months in 2003. They are believed to have met while studying, as Meghan was pursuing a theatre degree at the time. Although their relationship didn’t last, Shaun went on to become an accomplished actor and screenwriter, appearing in shows like “Sex and the City” and “Mystery Girls.”
Brett Ryland: A Brief Fling
After graduating from college, Meghan Markle entered into a relationship with actor Brett Ryland. Their romance lasted for five months before coming to an end. Brett later became a writer for the popular TV show “Two Broke Girls.” Since then, he has left the entertainment industry and now works as a business consultant for social media firms.
Trevor Engelson: Meghan’s First Marriage
Before Meghan Markle’s relationship with Prince Harry, she was married to film producer Trevor Engelson. The couple met at a bar in 2004 and got engaged during a trip to Belize in 2010. They tied the knot in Jamaica in 2011. However, their marriage didn’t last, and they divorced in 2014, citing “irreconcilable differences.” Trevor’s credits include films like “Remember Me” and “Snowfall,” in which Meghan made a cameo appearance as a bartender.
Cory Vitiello: Meghan’s Last Love Before Harry
Meghan Markle’s last relationship before meeting Prince Harry was with Canadian chef Cory Vitiello. The couple began dating shortly after Meghan’s divorce from Trevor was finalized. They were together for two years before ending their relationship in 2016. Cory has spoken positively about Meghan, stating that he has a lot of respect for her and that there is no bitterness between them. He now focuses on his culinary career.
Finding True Love: Prince Harry
In 2016, Meghan Markle’s life took a significant turn when she met Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. The couple was set up by a mutual friend and initially kept their relationship under wraps. However, they made their first public appearance together at the Invictus Games in 2017, confirming their romance. On November 27, 2017, their engagement was announced, and they walked down the aisle on May 19, 2018, in a grand wedding ceremony.
Since then, Harry and Meghan have welcomed two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Despite the challenges they faced within the royal family, the couple remains devoted to each other. They made the decision to step back as working royals in March 2020 and have since relocated to Montecito, California.