How Meghan Markle, Now the Duchess of Sussex, Met and Became Friends with Serena Williams
How did Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, meet and become friends with tennis superstar Serena Williams? Interestingly, their friendship began in 2010, but a significant event in 2014 brought them together in a way that captured the public's imagination.
The 2014 DirecTV Celebrity Flag Football Game
Randomly enough, they were teammates in a DirecTV celebrity flag football game in February 2014. By September of that same year, Meghan had landed a high-profile spot at the US Open. In a blog post, Meghan wrote about hitting it off immediately, capturing the warmth and camaraderie of the moment.
"We took pictures, laughed throughout the flag football game we were both playing in, and chatted not about tennis or acting but about all the good old fashioned girly stuff," Meghan wrote, highlighting the bond that goes beyond professional achievements.
Unconventional Friendship
Initially, the friendship sparked speculation and raised eyebrows. Comments on social media reflected a mix of curiosity and skepticism. For instance, someone remarked, 'I have no idea. Hitting balls back and forth. After all, Serena naturally spends a lot of time in and out of courts,' expressing a familiar inclination to question celebrity friendships.
Others, however, defended the authenticity of their friendship, emphasizing that there was no effort or scheming involved. 'I don’t know but they were friends long before Meghan met Harry,' one response suggested, indicating that their connection predates any social climbing or benefit-seeking behavior.
A Lasting Bond Through Thick and Thin
While their friendship began in 2010, it is the 2014 flag football game that brought their bond to the forefront. Recalling their journey, Dubai-based scholar Kate Sriekhal rightfully noted, 'The Duchess and Serena have been friends since 2010: that's when they met. They've been there for each other through thick and thin.'
Both women, as high-profile individuals, often find themselves in the public eye. Moreover, both were known to travel in high-profile circles, suggesting a pre-existing comfort in such environments. Their enduring friendship, however, is about more than just being in the same social circles. It is a testament to their shared values and the genuine connections they have forged.
The 2014 Beach Bowl
Before Meghan became the Duchess of Sussex, she was just Meghan Markle, an actress. Their friendship began even before she was in the limelight. In 2014, they both participated in the Direct TV Celebrity Beach Bowl, a memorable event that likely paved the way for their deepening friendship.
These shared moments not only humanized both celebrities but also showed the evolution of their relationship. Their friendship transcends stardom and royalty, reflecting the power of genuine connections that develop over time.