Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s patriotic July 4 second date with Independence Day gift
As the US marks Independence Day this week, we take a closer look at the special significance of the fourth of July for Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle.
As the UK celebrates the explosive results of this year’s general election, and the USA once again marks a firework filled Independence Day, the fourth of July also holds a special significance for Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle - as it marks the anniversary of their second date.
When Harry, now 39, and Meghan, now 42, first met all the way back in the Summer of 2016, the pair enjoyed their first date so much that they immediately arranged to meet up again the following day - with Harry even opting to surprise his future wife with a romantic gesture to mark the occasion.
Recalling the all important date in his memoir Spare, the Duke of Sussex explained: "She walked in, wearing a pretty blue sundress with white pinstripes. She was aglow. I stood and said: 'I bear gifts.' A pink box. I held it forward. She shook it. 'What’s this?'
"She opened the box. Cupcakes. Red, white and blue cupcakes, to be exact. In honour of Independence Day. I said something about the Brits having a very different view of Independence Day from the Yanks, but oh, well.”
At the time, Harry was based in the UK while California-born Meghan was working in Canada on his smash-hit legal drama series Suits, but despite the long-distance, romance soon blossomed between the pair, with the Prince insisting that he could make things work and give the relationship a “proper go.”
Fast forward eight years and the couple are happily married and proud parents to two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lililbet, and are currently residing in Montecito, California after stepping back from life as working royals in 2020.
Despite living in the US however, it appears the Prince isn’t quite ready to take the plunge into American citizenship.
Speaking on Good Morning America back in February 2024, Harry candidly confessed: "American citizenship is a thought that has crossed my mind but certainly not something that is a high priority for me right now.”
He did however, go on to reveal that he was enjoying every moment of his new life with Meghan and the children, as he sweetly gushed: "It's amazing. I love every single day.”
Despite his high praise however, the Duke stopped just short of confirming that he felt American, as when directly quizzed by show host Will Reeve, he sheepishly responded: "Do I feel American? Um, no. I don't know how I feel.”
