Meghan Markle’s eighth wedding anniversary celebration with Prince Harry came with an unexpected celebrity moment after Paula Abdul publicly reacted to one of the duchess’s nostalgic Instagram posts. On May 19, Meghan, 44, marked eight years of marriage by sharing a series of intimate black-and-white photos from her 2018 royal wedding at St. George's Chapel.
The images featured quiet moments between Meghan and Harry inside the historic cloisters shortly after exchanging vows in front of thousands of guests, including the late Queen Elizabeth.
© Getty ImagesMeghan added Paula Abdul’s 1989 hit “Forever Your Girl” to one of the anniversary posts shared on her Instagram story. The following day, Abdul, 63, responded with a heartfelt message of her own. “So sweet to hear ‘Forever Your Girl’ over these beautiful memories,” Abdul wrote while reposting Meghan’s story. “Wishing you both continued love, laughter and a very Happy Anniversary! XoP.”
Meghan and Harry’s anniversary
The celebrations extended far beyond social media. The couple reportedly recreated several sentimental details from their relationship history while celebrating privately with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 4.
The family celebrated with a lemon and elderflower cake, the same flavor combination created by celebrated London baker Claire Ptak for the couple’s royal wedding cake in 2018.
Prince Harry, 41, also surprised Meghan with a bronze sculpture featuring two penguins cuddled closely together. Bronze traditionally represents the eighth wedding anniversary.
For Meghan, though, the penguins carried even deeper meaning. She shared a throwback photo with Archie and Lilibet of herself and Harry, both dressed in matching penguin onesies. “When mama and papa got engaged, we had a party with all of our friends, and we said, ‘Everyone wear an animal onesie,’ ” Meghan explained. “We were penguins,” she continued. “Because we’re together for life.”
In another Instagram post, Meghan revealed a handwritten card she received from a British Airways flight crew while traveling home from Geneva on May 18. The note read, “Dearest Harry and Meghan, Wishing you a wonderful wedding anniversary, With love, The whole British Airways family.”
© Karwai TangA source close to the Duchess of Sussex told People the thoughtful gesture left Meghan emotional. “Meghan’s flight crew was so lovely on her way back from Geneva. They all came to say happy anniversary and shared their memories of where they were on the day,” the source said.
“They wrote Harry and Meghan a card and gave them a bottle of champagne and British candies for Harry and the kids,” the insider added. “It was very special and so appreciated by Meghan, who wanted to publicly thank them. She was truly so touched.”
