Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship: Their friends chime in on the royal romance

Meghan Markle broke her silence about her relationship to Prince Harry in the October issue of Vanity Fair. “We’re a couple,” she said after keeping silent for over a year of dating. “We’re in love. I’m sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.” And their friends agree that a fairytale story is what most people lust after and theirs is one for the books. Their royal romance has received the seal of approval from people inside their inner circles. While the pair, who began dating in 2016, haven’t shared much about their relationship, their friends have given some insight into their world. Click through for a look at what Harry and Meghan’s friends are saying.Photo: Getty Images

Sophie Ellis-BextorSophie Ellis-Bextor has opened up about her surprising friendship with Prince Harry's girlfriend Meghan Markle. "I have met her a few times, she is a lovely girl," Sophie, 38, told HELLO! at the Pinktober Ball, which was held at The Dorchester Hotel on October 13. "We met her a couple of years back and she said she really liked the song [Murder on the Dance Floor] and we sort of spent a weekend away at something together and she was really lovely." When quizzed about Harry and Meghan's royal romance, which is now subject to ongoing engagement rumors, the mother-of-four confessed she would be "very happy" to see the couple tie the knot. She noted: "I'm always very happy when two people who are in love decide to get married, who doesn’t love a happy, romantic wedding?" Photo: Getty Images

Patrick J. AdamsMeghan’s Suits co-star and on-screen love Patrick has said in the past that he considers himself a big brother to her. "The world wants to make things like this my business, but all I really care about is my friend Meghan is super happy and she is killing it," he told HELLO! in June 2017. "I’m super excited for her happiness and wish her all the best. She is so deserving of all the great things that happen for her in this world." Photo: Nigel Parry/USA Network

Usain BoltThe fastest man in the world gave his approval of the royal romance. He told HELLO! in May 2017, “She’s definitely a nice girl.” The Jamaican native also shared with the Sun in October 2017, “[Harry] has always been a happy guy, but I’ve not seen him so happy since he’s been with Meghan. We were at a wedding earlier this year. You have never seen a man with such a smile on his face — and it wasn’t my jokes that put it there." Harry can also count on Usain's help if he needs a bachelor party weekend. “He knows I want to plan it," the Olympian noted. "I can make things happen in Jamaica. I can get the most beautiful beach closed off for him,” Usain said. “I’m going to text him and plant that little seed.” Photo: Getty Images

Nacho FiguerasThe Argentinian polo player, who has gotten to know the British royal through competition on the field and through the Sentebale charity, gave his thoughts on his pal's romance. “I can say that I’m very happy for him," he told HELLO! at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in June 2017. "If he’s happy, I’m happy. He’s a guy that I like very much and he deserves the best.” Photo: Getty Images

Priyanka ChopraMeghan’s gal-pal Priyanka hopes there is a royal wedding in her friend's future. When asked during an appearance on the Wendy Williams Show in May 2017, if she sees wedding bells in Meghan’s future, the Quantico star replied “I hope so.” Speaking more about her friend’s newfound romance, the Indian beauty added: "I think they look great together. High profile relationships are so stressful anyway. As a friend I wouldn't like to add on that at all." Photo: Instagram/@meghanmarkle

Serena WilliamsMeghan and Serena have been good friends since meeting in 2014. For Meghan’s Vanity Fair cover story in September 2017, the tennis champion and new mom spoke about Meghan’s personality and shared a piece of advice that she gave Prince Harry's leading lady. “Her personality just shines,” Serena said, adding about fame and the added attention, “I told her, ‘You’ve got to be who you are, Meghan. You can’t hide.’" Photo: Instagram/@meghanmarkle

Prince AlbertPrince Albert knows a thing or two about Hollywood-royal relationships. The Monaco royal’s mother, silver screen star Grace Kelly married his father Prince Rainier of Monaco in a fairytale wedding back in 1956. Given his mom and dad’s successful romance, the Prince had some words of advice for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. When it comes to navigating the media spotlight, Prince Albert told People magazine in July 2017 that the couple “seem to be having a good deal of success so far,” but “sooner or later, [Meghan’s] going to have to face the full onslaught.” He added, “The only kind of advice I can offer is the British expression: ‘Keep calm and carry on.’” Photo: Getty Images

Abigail SpencerAbigail, who is Meghan’s former Suits co-star and longtime friend, shared why she thinks Princess Diana’s son was drawn to her pal. “She’s got warm elegance, though her style is hard to pin down. It’s classy and timeless,” the actress told Vanity Fair. Abigail added, “When you’re talking to her, you feel like you’re the only person on the planet. And it’s just wonderful to see her so in love.” Photo: Instagram/@meghanmarkle

Idris ElbaThe Mountain Between Us actor is no stranger to the Prince. Idris and Prince Harry have been seen chatting at polo matches and have even had meetings inside the palace gates. When asked by the New York Times in September 2017 if Harry and Meghan should tie the knot during a game of Confirm or Deny, Idris proudly exclaimed: “Confirm! He’s in love. I’m happy for him.” Photo: Getty Images

Sarah RaffertySarah is one of Meghan’s friends who knows about her relationships both on-and-off-screen. While the Suits actress didn’t say much about her friend’s royal romance, she couldn’t wait to share her excitement over Meghan's exciting new chapter. “I don't comment on my castmates' personal lives, but of course, it's very exciting," Sarah told the Associated Press in November 2016. "And I'm very happy for her." Photo: Getty Images