First pictures of Prince Harry’s girlfriend Meghan Markle ‘crowned’ by her friends in school prom ceremony
PRINCE Harry was not the first to the spot girlfriend Meghan Markle’s royal potential – as her US pals crowned her homecoming queen.
These never-before-seen snaps of the actress as a teen, obtained exclusively by The Sun On Sunday, show her being crowned — just like Harry’s grandmother — during a 1998 ceremony.
The 17-year-old, who could become a real princess if she weds Harry, is flanked by her “court” while sashaying down a red carpet lined with sword-holding “knights”.
She is also pictured posing next to her date in a strapless blue prom gown and sparkling tiara in two other photographs from an evening which gave her a first taste of life as a royal.
Meghan, now 35, was attending private Catholic girls’ school Immaculate Heart High in Los Angeles when it teamed up with the all-boys establishment St Francis for a posh prom.
The delighted star was crowned homecoming queen for the event during half-time at a school American football game in November 1998.
A description of the lavish ceremony, written by pupils in her school yearbook, describes Meghan’s crowning glory — but spelled her first and last names wrong.
It says: “The princesses were escorted by our knights, and a red carpet ceremony commenced.
“Last year’s Queen Carla Suarez presented Megan Markel with the crown and the entire court processed off the field in classic convertibles.”
The Sun On Sunday tracked down Meghan’s date for the night, Danny Segura. Recalling the weekend, which also included a dance, he said: “It was awesome — she’s awesome.”
Danny, who works in theatre and remains pals with Meghan, even credits the Suits actress for kick-starting his own acting career.
In a post on social media he wrote: “Meghan got me to audition for my first high school musical when I was 15. I was hooked for life from that point.”
He revealed that his older brother Luis dated the Californian beauty as a teen.
Estate agent Luis, now a happily married dad of two in LA, declined to comment on their relationship.
But other friends of Meghan dished the secrets of her homecoming, which borrowed traditions from the Queen’s coronation in 1953.
Kate Dahle, 36, who was part of Meghan’s “homecoming court”, said: “The St Francis boys tended to date girls from private schools.
"Boys there nominated girls and there was an interview by a committee.
“At the homecoming football game during half time they bring out the court — the group of girls — and announced us to the crowd and then they announced who was queen.”
Speaking about Meghan and her date, Kate revealed: “She was a nice girl. I knew Danny — he was a very nice boy.
“They were not dating. I think all of us on the court were just friends.
“I don’t think anyone was with their boyfriends.”
Reflecting on her part in Meghan’s coronation, she added: “It’s exciting. A girl from California might become royalty.”
We have also unearthed photos of Meghan at another prom in April 1999 — again taken during her senior year of high school.
Elegant Meghan is shown posing in a white dress and holding flowers — giving Harry a glimpse of what she might look like on her wedding day.
We also delved into her school yearbooks to show a teenage Meghan as a budding young actress performing in plays including Brit comedy Stepping Out, Stage Door and Damn Yankees.
Our exclusive photos show that the actress went by her first name Rachel for her 1997 and 1998 school headshots. Meghan is her middle name.
Pals revealed she was too focused on following in the footsteps of her father — Hollywood lighting director Tom Markle Sr — to have much time for boys.
Tom would often help out with the productions and was also pictured in some of the school play snaps.
A close family friend said: “She didn’t really date a lot of boys. She was such a good girl and found fun in different ways.
"She participated in all the school plays.
“She wanted to be in television so badly and her daddy would take her to TV recordings. Her dad is a very sweet person.”
Meghan’s friend recalled the focused teenager telling her: “Whatever I want I’m going to get”.
The pal added: “That’s a good thing. I’m so proud of her. I’m so happy for Meghan.
“We knew she was going to make it. When I heard that she was in Suits I was so happy for her.”
We can also reveal that Meghan was already showing an interest in helping those in need during her teenage years — inspired by Harry’s late mum Diana.
Her friend said: “She always admired Princess Diana’s good deeds.
“I went with her to schools where there were less fortunate kids. They would collect toys, gifts and clothes for them.
“There’s a kitchen in downtown LA where they feed families. Her family did a service there and got insulted by the homeless. It was really tough.
“But that’s what they chose to do and they were really happy about it.”
Meghan’s friend was delighted when she heard about her pal dating Prince Harry.
She said: “She’s a wonderful person. She deserves the best — and it looks like they can be a good match.
“Harry has changed from this girl to this girl to this girl . . . but now hopefully he’s serious.”