Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were set up by Maria Sharapova’s British boyfriend who went to Eton and once dated Pippa Middleton
WHEN Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their engagement in November 2017, they revealed they had been introduced by a mutual pal.
And while they never confirmed the name of the friend, there's been much speculation since, with many royal fans now believing it could be Maria Sharapova's boyfriend, Alexander Gilkes.
Before getting together with the tennis pro, Alexander was married to one of Meghan's best friends - and favourite fashion designer - Misha Nonoo, who also designed the Duchess' infamous "Husband" shirt.
Harry, meanwhile, is pretty good friends with Alexander, having studied together at Eton.
It's thought that Misha's connection with Meghan, and Alexander's friendship with Harry, could be the link between the now Duke and Duchess of Sussex meeting.
Meaning that between them, they could be the force behind one of the most famous pairings in British history.
But Alexander's royal connection doesn't stop there - in fact, according to , he also briefly dated Pippa Middleton.
Now loved up with Maria, Alexander recently celebrated his 40th birthday in Andalusia, Spain.
Sharing two snaps of the weekend, including one of the pair together, the tennis super star wrote: "A weekend for the record books. Happy Birthday."
Maria went head-to-head with Serena Williams in the first round of the US Open on Monday night, with Meghan's BFF Serena thrashing her long-time rival.
Williams, 37, won 6-1 6-1 in the match, which lasted just 59 minutes.
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
In other royal news, we told you Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have hired a £30k a year digital communications expert to boost social media presence.
We also revealed Kate Middleton’s £175 Michael Kors dress from Balmoral church service has already sold out.
And we showed you how the Queen is ‘relaxed and proud’ in Kate Middleton’s company – and the Duchess is keen not to upstage her, body language expert reveals.