Meghan Markle is not the only one with a beautiful commoner-turned-royalty story to tell. In fact, many have shared in the whirlwind of events (and emotions) that come with falling in love with a royal. Take it from these not-so-known commoners whose lives have taken a 180 degree turn for the best after finding their blue blooded one true love.
Kate Middleton and Prince William
Before the spotlight shone on Meghan Markle, there was Kate Middleton—one of the most famous commoners known by all who was able to win the heart of none other than Prince William, second in line to the British throne.
The Duchess of Cambridge grew up in a relatively middle-class background—in Berkshire to be exact, with her parents and 2 other siblings. Her parents ran a mail-order business selling toys and games for children’s parties. While studying in St. Andrew’s University in Fife, the duchess finally met the love of her life, and the rest is history.
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III
Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco is the stuff of fairytales.
The gorgeous Philadelphia-born actress first met Prince Rainier III at the Cannes Film Festival. After a staged photo op, the prince was instantly smitten by the Hollywood stunner, who eventually gave-up her career after the big proposal. The two had “the wedding of the century”, watched by millions around the world. Grace Kelly then gracefully stepped into her new role as none other than Princess of Monaco, and eventually as a mother to three beautiful children.
Sofia Hellqvist and Prince Carl Philip
Sofia Hellqvist met Prince Carl Philip in a restaurant via a mutual friend. It was love at first sight.
Known for her modeling stints and starring in the reality TV series Paradise Hotel, Sofia Hellqvist lived the usual life under the spotlight before officially taking the role of Duchess of Värmland. She is also a fitness buff, a yoga instructor, and a volunteer and aid worker in South Africa, Senegal, and Ghana.
Empress Michiko and Emperor Akihito of Japan
It was the summer of 1957. Michiko Shoda, a daughter from a prominent industrial and academic family, was attending a seemingly uneventful tennis match. It is then that she met Prince Akihito. 2 years later, the two tied the knot, making Empress Michiko the first commoner to marry into the Japanese imperial family. The two later on had 3 children.
In 1989, Prince Akihito ascended to the throne after his father’s death.
Ariana Austin and Prince Yoel Makonnen
Ariana Austin met Prince Yoel Makonnen in a nightclub, just like most of today’s younger generations. Completely oblivious to the fact that the handsome man chatting her up was in fact the Prince of Ethiopia, she fell hard for his worldliness and charm. Years later, the two finally sealed the deal, making Ariana the current Princess of Ethiopia.
A Harvard graduate, writer, and philanthropist, Ariana is of African-American and Guyanese descent. Her grandmother served as the lord mayor of Georgetown, capital of Guyana.
