Meghan Markle is already a known tv actress before her relationship with Prince Harry was publicly confirmed. However, the attention and scrutiny that come along with seriously dating a very popular royal figure are on a different level than what the actress has encountered.

Fortunately, she shares a beautiful friendship with tennis superstar Serena Williams, who can certainly give the “Suits” star useful pieces of advice on how to deal with the high level of interest she is facing these days.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, the multiple tennis Grand Slam winner said that she advised Markle, “You’ve got to be who you are… You can’t hide.”

How they met

Williams and Markle according to TV Cheatsheet, met in February 2014 when they joined DirecTV’s Celebrity Beach Bowl. The “Suits” star later wrote on her website that she and Williams “hit it off immediately” while playing in the event and that they talked about good old girly fashion rather than tennis or acting.

Confidante and supporter

Markle also said that Serena became her confidante whom she sends text messages while on travel. She called the tennis star a down-to-earth chick and a friend whom she gives all out support in her endeavors.

The 36-year-old actress cheered for Williams during the 2014 U.S. Open, which the tennis star won to put her total grand slam title to 18. Markle posted a photo online with a title “She did it!”

In the Australian Open the following year, Markle also showed her support for Serena, who went on to win the title that year.

Serena gave her support to Markle by writing about subjects like “Mother Knows Best” and “Food For Thought,” in the actress’ blog, The Tig. The site is no longer active at present though as the actress decided to close it.

Fashion supporter

Meghan Markle also showed her support to Serena Williams not just on the tennis court but also on the runway. The actress joined Serena during the 2016 New York Fashion Week where the tennis star/designer debuted her line of clothing.

Meeting Prince Harry

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were said to have met each through a common friend. However, E! News suspects that Williams could be the reason Markle and Prince got together. The actress was said to be seated a few row from Kate's sister, Pippa Middleton.

The entertainment program speculates that Markle went to London to support Serena at Wimbledon and it was around this time that Harry and Meghan first linked up.

It is notable that last May, Prince Harry brought Meghan Markle to Pippa Middleton’s wedding with fund manager James Matthew.