Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s relationship has been going strong for eight years, but it all began with a blind date – and a series of text messages.

Meghan Markle texted pal 'I've hit the jackpot' after meeting Prince Harry - The Mirror US

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s love story spans eight years, beginning with a blind date. When news first broke that Harry and Meghan were dating, Meghan’s friend Lizzy Cundy shared some insights about their early days, according to the Daily Express UK.

Cundy revealed: “When I heard about Harry I said ‘what a catch’ and she said ‘yeah I know!’ People are saying she’s a social climber, but you want to be someone people look up to and you are proud to be on the arm of.”

She further added: “But I think good for her, she’s had the catch of the century.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Relationship Timeline

The couple was reportedly set up on a blind date by a mutual friend in 2016. Cundy also shared Meghan’s initial impressions of London, stating: “We both had had breakups and a bit of a past, and she was asking lots of questions about mine.”

According to Cundy, Meghan “wanted a boyfriend and she wouldn’t mind an English guy,” reports the Express US.

At the time, Meghan was residing in Canada, but found London much more thrilling, as per her friend.

“We chatted a bit about Vancouver that it was so away from everything and there wasn’t much to do there.”

“That’s why she loved London. I could see the stars in her eyes.”

Cundy and Meghan met by chance at a dinner party where they were seated next to each other, and the two women instantly clicked. Back then, Meghan was keen to “enjoy London life” and “make contacts,” often mingling with the cast of Made in Chelsea, her friend added.

Harry and Meghan announced their engagement in November 2017
Harry and Meghan announced their engagement in November 2017

She revealed, “She wanted to find a boyfriend, she said British, I asked if she wanted someone famous, she said ‘Yeah, why not! ?'”

Cundy expressed her opinions on her pal’s fresh romance, hinting that such openness might be the reason Meghan swiftly gave her the boot. Cundy, now out of the Royal circle, remarked feeling “ghosted.”