Before Meghan Markle captured the world’s attention as the Duchess of Sussex, she shared a surprising friendship with professional golfer Rory McIlroy.
This unexpected connection blossomed in 2014, shortly after Rory celebrated a significant victory on the PGA Tour.
Their friendship gained traction when Rory playfully nominated Meghan for the viral Ice Bucket Challenge, a campaign designed to raise awareness for ALS.
In a delightful twist, Meghan accepted the challenge but insisted that Rory be the one to pour the icy water over her.
This playful moment unfolded on a balcony in New York City, where laughter filled the air as Rory drenched Meghan with freezing water.
It was a light-hearted exchange that showcased their camaraderie while supporting a worthy cause.
Following this memorable event, the duo was frequently spotted together in both New York and Dublin, sparking rumors of a possible romance.
Meghan even penned a piece about Rory on her lifestyle blog, The Tig, where she referred to him as the “real deal.”
Their friendly interactions piqued the curiosity of fans and media alike, igniting speculation about the nature of their relationship.
However, despite the swirling rumors, Meghan and Rory’s bond remained strictly platonic.
At that time, Meghan was involved with chef Cory Vitiello, which kept her interactions with Rory firmly within the realm of friendship.
Their public outings were filled with laughter and joy, yet there was never any indication of a romantic involvement.
Just two years after her friendship with Rory, Meghan’s life took a dramatic turn when she met Prince Harry.
This encounter sparked a whirlwind romance that quickly escalated, ultimately leading to their highly publicized marriage.
Meghan’s transition from a Hollywood actress to a member of the royal family thrust her into the global spotlight, overshadowing her earlier connections.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy also embarked on his own journey of love.
He married Erika Stahl, and together they welcomed a daughter into their lives.
Although Rory faced some challenges, including a brief period of separation that led to divorce proceedings, he and Erika reconciled and chose to continue building their family together.
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