© Photo: Getty ImagesEngagement rumours have surrounded Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ever since their romance was revealed in 2016. And even more so since the Suits star made her first outing at an official society function at the beginning of May, when she flew in from Toronto to watch the Prince play polo in Ascot.
On Satuday 20 May the couple attended Pippa Middleton and James Matthews' wedding reception with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. It will be the second time that Harry and Meghan have attended a wedding together, having previously flown to Jamaica in March to watch the Prince's best friend Tom Inskip marry Lara Hughes-Young in a romantic beach ceremony.
At the time, a close friend of the royal told Royal Watch: "Harry is head over heels about Meghan and some of us really think he'll have popped the question by the end of the year, this is the real thing."
With whispers of an imminent engagement swirling, we take a closer look at Meghan and reveal some little-known facts about the star. Did you know that her first name isn't even Meghan? Or that she was in charge of doing the calligraphy for Robin Thicke and Paula Patton's wedding invites? And do you know what her favourite flowers are? Keep clicking through to find out more!
© Photo: Getty ImagesHer first name is not Meghan!
Meghan Markle's full name is Rachel Meghan Markle. Coincidentally, her first name is the same as her character on the popular legal drama Suits. The star has been portraying paralegal Rachel Elizabeth Zane since the series, created by Aaron Korsh, premiered in 2011. The American actress was born on 4 August 1981.
© Photo: InstagramHidden talent
Meghan Markle has many talents, but one that stands out is the fact she is a calligrapher. In an exclusive quick-fire question round with HELLO! in October, the star revealed that she had done Robin Thicke's wedding invites.
In HELLO!'s exclusive video filmed for Periscope, she said: "I used to be a calligrapher, that's how I paid my bills! I did Robin Thicke and Paula Patton's wedding. I've did tones of celebrity correspondence."
© Photo: InstagramHer favourite flowers
Meghan Markle loves flowers, but her favourite are definitely peonies. The star's Instagram feed is filled with beautiful pictures of peonies and in all different colours: pink, white, coral... In 2016 she wrote alongside a picture of a bouquet: "I bought these peonies for myself yesterday because they make me so endlessly happy. Do something sweet for yourself today too. #treatyourself #simplepleasures #favoriteflowers ? @_thetig"
© Photo: Getty ImagesHer jewellery holds a special place in her heart
In 2013 Meghan Markle, whose father is of Irish descent, shared a close-up picture of her jewellery, and captioned it: "My life story, told by jewelry". In the picture she can be seen wearing a Claddagh Ring which is universally recognised as an Irish token of love, loyalty and friendship.
She is also wearing a Cartier watch, a mala beads bracelet (Buddhist prayer beads), a St. Christopher Pendant (worn by travellers, to show devotion and as a request for his blessing), and a locket.
© Photo: Getty ImagesBirthday tradition
The 35-year-old has a pretty cool birthday tradition, and you are going to love it! Every year, on her birthday, Meghan enjoys a plate of French fries! In an Instagram post in 2012, the star shared a picture of a plate of chips and captioned it: "Birthday french fries #tradition."
© Photo: InstagramShe loves dogs!
Meghan Markle adopted her first dog in December 2012. The star announced the exciting news on her Instagram. Alongside a picture of her new puppy Bogart she wrote: "Meet my new buddy. His name is Bogart. #puppylove". She later reveal that Ellen DeGeneres was the one that convinced her to adopt. "You were right @TheEllenShow! You told me to adopt this sweet pup yesterday, and I'm so happy I did. Thanks a million! #puppylove #rescue #bestdecisionever #ellen
© Photo: InstagramPrince Harry's girlfriend loves dogs and constantly shares pictures of them on social media. Whether playing in the snow or relaxing with her in bed, her "sweet loves" are always by her side when she is in town.
In March 2015, the actress adopted her second dog, Guy, a rescue beagle from Kentucky and later revealed that adopting was "the best choice I've ever made".
© Photo: InstagramHer nicknames
Meghan Markle's parents call her 'flower' and 'bean'. In a sweet Father's Day post in 2016 the actress thanked her dad for "my work ethic, my love of Busby Berkeley films & club sandwiches, for teaching me the importance of handwritten thank you notes, and for giving me that signature Markle nose." She signed the post: "I love you xo - Bean"
In a different post, in which she appears sat next to a lot of flowers, Meghan wrote: "My mom has always called me 'flower'. Nickname since I was a little girl."
© Photo: Getty ImagesShe is thrifty and loves a spot of DIY
Actress Meghan showed off her restoration skills when she turned an old frame, which a neighbour had thrown out, into a beautiful chalkboard. "So my neighbour threw out this frame. And I had some extra chalkboard paint. So... this is my Sunday. What should I write on it? #chalkboard #home #onemanstrash #treasure"
The chalkboard is a permanent fixture in her Toronto apartment and can be seen in several pictures on her feed.
© Photo: Getty ImagesHer Suits co-star Patrick Adams convinced her to join Instagram
Meghan Markle joined Instagram two years after it had launched. She posted her first picture, which shows Suits co-star Patrick Adams posing for the camera, in 2012. She captioned the snap: "@halfadams taught me Instagram. #latetotheparty"
Five years on, the star is still active on the social media site, but has posted less since her romance with Prince Harry was revealed last year.
© Photo: InstagramShe once met the Queen
Not quite! But Meghan does have a great sense of humour! Whilst filming in Budapest in 2013, the star shared a picture of herself on camera, just behind a £10 note with the Queen's face on it. "Just me, @greggsulkinofficial & a cameo by the Queen. #BTS #antisocial #budapest #london #filming," she joked.
© Photo: InstagramShe loves board games
When she stays with Prince Harry at Kensington Palace, we imagine the couple love to stay in, eat delicious food (Meghan has previously said she prefers to cook than to eat out), and play board games! Alongside a picture of her playing Monopoly with a group of friends she wrote on Instagram: "It's on. The way to my heart. #monopoly #gamenight #cottage #goodness".
© Photo: InstagramShe loves fish and seafood!
Meghan Markle is a real foodie! In an interview with Marie Claire in 2013 she said: "I love to cook. My character is a foodie because they know that I'm a foodie. I'm always on the quest to find amazing new restaurants and new recipes."
But the dishes that make the most appearances on her social media channels are sea-related: oysters, prawns, mussels, sea bream....! We think she loves her seafood!
© Photo: Getty ImagesShe loves Toronto
The California-born star lives in Toronto where her show, Suits, is filmed. Meghan's apartment is located in Annex, a hip and safe neighbourhood with modest homes. In 2012 she wrote alongside a picture of the city: "Dear Toronto - no need to show off. I fell in love with you months ago."
© Photo: InstagramShe started doing yoga when she was 7
Meghan Markle's mum Doria is a social worker and yoga therapist, and it's thanks to her that the star began practising the discipline so young. But that's not all! Her father used to take her to tap and ballet classes and would later treat her to lunch at 'Musso & Frank Grill".
