Meghan Markle’s gushing two-word compliment to Rory McIlroy resurfaces
Meghan Markle, who has been happily married to Prince Harry since 2018, once expressed admiration for another prominent figure: Irish golf pro Rory McIlroy. Following the end of her marriage to Trevor Engelson in 2014, Meghan was linked to several men, including McIlroy, with whom she developed an unexpected friendship. Their connection became public after…
Meghan Markle, who has been happily married to Prince Harry since 2018, once expressed admiration for another prominent figure: Irish golf pro Rory McIlroy. Following the end of her marriage to Trevor Engelson in 2014, Meghan was linked to several men, including McIlroy, with whom she developed an unexpected friendship.
Their connection became public after they participated in the viral Ice Bucket Challenge together. A video on social media captured Meghan laughing as Rory, standing on a step ladder, poured freezing water over her on a New York City balcony. This encounter led to reports of the two enjoying drinks at the Fitzpatrick Hotel in New York and dining together.
Shortly after this, Meghan wrote about Rory on her former blog, The Tig. She praised him with the words: “Ah yes. Rory McIlroy. THE Rory McIlroy. Whispered (and shouted) to be the foremost golfer in the world, loved by Tiger, respected by Palmer, and dumper of frigid water onto my lone head for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. That Rory McIlroy.”
She continued, “He is a force who has the propensity to actually work hard and play hard – relishing intense practices to substantiate his title, embracing nights of sipping Opus One (his bold and impressive choice of wine), and indulging in group dinners at Cipriani – for the balance, of course. And yet, beyond his work/play ethic, the most endearing quality of this man is his character – as real and honest as they come, appreciating a simple smile, never shunning a fan photo, enjoying a plate of pasta with veal ragu, and expressing a love for his parents that is rarely seen in men his age. Or at any age, to be honest. He is not just the real deal… he is real. And perhaps that is what makes him even more cherished.”
Speculation about a romance between Meghan and Rory intensified in October 2014 when they were seen dining together at Dublin’s Fade Street Social. However, reports indicated they were just friends, as Meghan was dating chef Cory Vitiello at the time.
Rory McIlroy’s personal life has also been the subject of public interest. He dated Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki from 2011 to 2014, and they were briefly engaged. In May 2014, Rory ended the engagement, stating, “The problem is mine. The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realize that I wasn’t ready for all that marriage entails. I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we’ve had.”
McIlroy then began dating Erica Stoll in 2015, and they married in April 2017 at Ashford Castle in County Mayo. Their star-studded wedding included guests like One Direction’s Niall Horan and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, with performances by Ed Sheeran and Stevie Wonder. The couple welcomed their daughter, Poppy, in September 2020. However, on Monday, news broke that Rory had filed for divorce from Erica.
Meghan’s compliment about Rory has resurfaced in light of this recent development, drawing attention to the genuine friendship and mutual respect they once shared.
