Rory McIlroy’s Masters win in April 2023 crowned his stellar career, completing the coveted grand slam at 35. Off the course, McIlroy faced personal ups and downs, including a high-profile break-up filing from Erica Stoll in late 2022, later called off. Around the same time, Meghan Markle was turning heads in Suits and preparing for a royal chapter with Prince Harry. But long before palaces and podiums, their paths crossed in a way that left fans curious- was it just friendship, or something more?

From chilly challenges to exclusive dinners, their relationship sparked rumors and raised eyebrows, hinting at a chapter rarely explored but full of unexpected twists.

As reported by The Express, Meghan Markle and Rory McIlroy once sparked dating gossip long before royal titles and green jackets entered the picture. Back in 2014, while Markle was starring in Suits, Rory McIlroy nominated her for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. She agreed—on one cheeky condition- McIlroy had to pour the water himself. After the video went viral, the two were spotted sharing drinks and dinner in New York, fueling speculation of a possible romance brewing behind the scenes.

Markle even wrote warmly about McIlroy on her now-closed blog The Tig, calling him “THE Rory McIlroy” and singling out his charm, drive, and down-to-earth nature. She reportedly admired how he balanced intense practice with wine and dinners, and his love for family made him even more endearing. The post sparked curiosity—was it friendship or something more? Either way, their connection remains one of Markle’s most intriguing pre-royal chapters. From rubbing elbows with golf star, McIlroy to life with Prince Harry, Markle is keeping things interesting in royal life.

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Royal life comes with unspoken rules, but Meghan Markle quietly bends them with panache. Standing alongside Prince Harry, her style speaks volumes, and this time, it is her wedding ring doing the talking, turning centuries of tradition on its head.

Meghan Markle’s latest As Ever brand photo on Instagram is shaking up royal tradition with her engagement ring stack, showing she is not one to play by the traditional jewelry playbook. Instead of the classic order—wedding band closest to the heart, then engagement ring—Markle flipped it all around. Her Welsh gold wedding band takes the spotlight on top, while her engagement ring rests below. It is a fun, unexpected shuffle that says tradition can take a backseat when personal style calls the shots.

Her engagement ring is not just any diamond—it carries a deep story. The center stone comes from Botswana, surrounded by diamonds from Princess Diana, linking past and present in one dazzling display. Alongside other iconic pieces like Princess Diana’s sapphire cuff and the “something blue” aquamarine ring, Markle’s mix of heirlooms and modern twists keeps royal bling fresh, meaningful, and totally unforgettable.

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What do you think about Meghan Markle and Rory McIlroy's connection? Let us know in the comments!