Prince Harry presented Meghan Markle with an unforgettable Fourth of July gift during their second date, so significant that the ex-‘Suits’ actress referenced it in her speech at their royal wedding reception.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hold a special connection to the Fourth of July because it marks the occasion of their second date in 2016. After being delayed by 30 minutes for their initial meeting the night before, Harry arrived with thoughtful “gifts” for Meghan on their Independence Day date.
Harry surprised Meghan with Fourth of July cupcakes on their second date
After their first meeting at Soho House’s 76 Dean Street location in London, England on July 3, 2016, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revisited the same place the following day, July 4, 2016. In his 2023 memoir “Spare,” Harry recounted how, on this occasion, he arrived early with a sweet gesture for Meghan to celebrate the American holiday.
“I was already there this time, waiting with a smile, feeling proud of myself,” wrote the now 39-year-old Harry in his memoir. Describing Meghan’s entrance, he noted her radiant appearance in a lovely blue sundress with white pinstripes.
Harry went on to describe how he surprised Meghan with Fourth of July cupcakes. “I stood and said, ‘I bear gifts,’ presenting a pink box to her. As she shook it, I exclaimed, ‘No, no, don’t shake it!’ We both shared a laugh.” Meghan opened the box to find red, white, and blue cupcakes, a tribute to Independence Day.
Harry mentioned that he made a light-hearted remark about the contrasting perspectives the British and Americans hold on Independence Day, to which Meghan simply responded that the cupcakes “looked amazing.”
This second outing for Harry and Meghan marked a significant milestone in their relationship. It was during this time that they began to make plans for a romantic journey to Botswana, a place they would later consider for their future wedding. It was also when they decided to venture into a long-distance relationship.
Harry mentioned that he made a light-hearted remark about the contrasting perspectives the British and Americans hold on Independence Day, to which Meghan simply responded that the cupcakes “looked amazing.”
This second outing for Harry and Meghan marked a significant milestone in their relationship. It was during this time that they began to make plans for a romantic journey to Botswana, a place they would later consider for their future wedding. It was also when they decided to venture into a long-distance relationship.
Meghan mentioned the Independence Day cupcakes in her royal wedding reception speech
In the Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” Meghan shared a speech she delivered at their wedding reception held at Frogmore House following their marriage ceremony at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018.
Describing their relationship as a “modern fairytale,” Meghan recounted the story she crafted about her and Harry’s meeting, including the memorable moment with the Fourth of July cupcakes.
Detailing the narrative she created, Meghan narrated, “They encounter each other on July 3, 2016, in London, and share endless laughter.” She continued, “So the following day, they go on their second date, and he surprises her with cupcakes because it’s the Fourth of July. ‘A bittersweet celebration,’ he remarks. Irony at its peak. Her country’s independence from his country. Yet, at that instant, they realize their desire to not be independent from each other.”
Harry and Meghan now celebrate the American holiday with Archie and Lili
Recently, the Fourth of July has taken on a new meaning for Harry and Meghan as they now celebrate the holiday as a family following the arrivals of Prince Archie, aged 5 in 2019, and Princess Lilibet, aged 3 in 2021.
During the 2022 festivities, the Sussex family, excluding Lili, visited Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where they participated in a parade over the holiday weekend, as reported by Hello magazine. Archie was captured on video donning a red, white, and blue hat among the spectators.
In a brief moment captured on the Harry & Meghan show, Archie can be seen holding an American flag while seated on Meghan’s lap in the rear of a car.
Skipping ahead to 2023, Harry and Meghan opted to stay at their residence in Montecito, California to mark the occasion. They joined a local Fourth of July event where Harry was seen holding Lili, who was dressed in a festive red, white, and blue ensemble.
