Lindsay Roth, who first met the princess-in-waiting at a Toni Morrison literature class during their first year at Northwestern University, has opened up about the Meghan Markle she has come to know over the past 15 years.
“I don’t know many people who are as generous and supportive as Meg is,” Lindsay said in a new interview with People.
“I think people assume that when someone gains notoriety that they change. But she’s still the same girl I met years ago, with the same values and priorities. She’s selfless, and that’s just a part of who she is and who she was raised to be.”
Lindsay goes on to explain that she isn’t in the least bit surprised with how well Meghan has coped with the constant and unfailing scrutiny that comes with dating a member of the British Royal Family.
“We should all strive to handle the ups and downs of our lives as gracefully, smartly, elegantly, positively, realistically and graciously as Meg has,” she says.
Harry and Meghan went public with their relationship back in September.
The starlet will soon fly back in Toronto, where filming will pick up for the hit legal drama, Suits.
But she admits that its Meghan’s personal growth, which is perhaps most impressive. “Meg has especially developed into an extraordinary businesswoman, actress, writer and advocate for women and children,” she told the publication.
She adds: “While the public sees Meg as a strong advocate for women and girls, she is one behind the scenes too — she’s that friend who staunchly supports her friends’ dreams, is present even when she’s physically not present because she’s in Toronto filming, gives you her honest opinion even if it differs from yours and has the most kind heart.”
The 35-year-old actress also launched her very own lifestyle blog, name The Tig.
A kind heart, indeed! Recalling a recent trip to Toronto to visit the 35-year-old Suits actress, Lindsay says Meghan hosted her and even selected a particular candle to light in the room she was staying in.
“She picked out a specific candle to light in ‘my room,’ which I call it — a scent that was so me, that she knew I’d love,” she said.
Side note: This begs the question… does Prince Harry have a signature scent too?
At the end of the day, Lindsay – who authored the novel What Pretty Girls Are Made of and even based a character in the book on best friend Meg – says that she and her multihyphenate friend live by a singular motto: ‘I choose happiness.’
“It’s a constant reminder to be self-aware, be uniquely you, be happy and to treat people with respect; to be kind, empathetic and to really learn from those around you in any circumstance,” says Lindsay.
She adds: “Meg does that.”
And it looks as if Meghan could well be bringing that mantra to the walls of Kensington Palace sooner rather than later!
New reports suggest that the brunette-beauty may be set for a transatlantic move, with fresh chatter claiming Harry wants his girlfriend to live in his new apartment at Kensington Palace asap.
The Sunday Express reveal that Harry is hoping to make Princess Diana’s former apartment his permanent residence.
“Harry sees his future at Kensington Palace but he can’t live in Nottingham Cottage forever. It’s not what you would call a family home,” a source told the UK paper.
Who needs the white picket fence when you can have your very own castle?
According to the Daily Mail, Harry plans to leave his Nottingham Cottage base and Meghan will move from Toronto to the newly renovated royal residence.
“[Harry] keeps popping round and asking when it will be ready,” an insider revealed to the publication.
“He seems in a real hurry to move in with Meghan,” they added.
We just can’t wait to see what the future has in store for this darling couple!
