Meghan Markle recently gushed about how happy she is with husband Prince Harry and their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

But long before she found happiness with her prince, the Duchess of Sussex was linked to several men after the breakdown of her first marriage to Trevor Engelson. Back in the summer of 2014, Meghan, who was at the height of her Suits fame, struck up an unexpected friendship with the golf star Rory McIlroy. News that Meghan and Rory were pals came after the golfer, whose divorce from wife Erica Stoll was revealed on Monday, came after he nominated her to do the Ice Bucket Challenge for the ALS Association.

Rory nominated Meghan for the ice bucket challenge

Rory poured the ice cold water over Meghan’s head ( 
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Vimeo)
The viral trend saw those taking part throw ice-cold water over themselves and post a video on it on social media to raise awareness of ALS, a type of motor neurone disease. Meghan accepted the nomination on one condition – Rory throw the ice-cold water over her himself.

And the video posted to social media shows Meghan in fits of giggles as Rory, standing on a small step ladder, drenches the now Duchess, on a balcony in New York City. It was reported that after this encounter, the pair enjoyed drinks at the Fitzpatrick Hotel in New York and dinner together.

Shortly afterwards, Meghan gushed about her pal on her former blog The Tig calling him the “real deal”. She wrote: “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 on to my lone head for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. That Rory McIlroy.

“‘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.

Meghan has found love with Prince Harry and last week they visited Nigeria ( 
Image:
Anadolu via Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy is getting divorced from wife Erica Stoll ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

“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.”

Rumours of a romance later intensified when several months later in October 2014, they were spotted having dinner together at the trendy Dublin restaurant Fade Street Social. But despite speculation the pair were never more than friends. In fact, Meghan was said to be dating chef Cory Vitiello.

But just two years later, that relationship had finished and Meghan struck up a romance with Harry and the rest is history. Rory meanwhile, started dating ex Erica and just a year before Harry and Meghan, he walked down the aisle with her and later they had a daughter called Poppy.

Yesterday, the shock news came that Rory filed for divorce after seven years of marriage and just a day after a PGA Tour win. he petition was filed in Palm Beach County State Court in Florida on Monday, and the four-time major winner has called for a respectful and amicable process.

“Rory McIlroy’s communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed,” a statement from the 35-year-old’s team read. “They stressed Rory’s desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment.”