Prince Harry had a crush on partner Meghan Markle for two years before meeting her, according to a royal expert.
When asked by a friend on a night out who his ideal woman was, the prince is reported to have answered: "Meghan Markle from Suits".
His long-time infatuation has been revealed by royal expert Katie Nicholl in a new documentary - When Harry Met Meghan: A Royal Romace - set to air on Channel 4 tonight.
She says: "He had a crush on [Meghan's character] Rachel Zane two years before he met Meghan and the reason I know is because I was having drinks with one of his friends.
"She told me she'd been on a night out with Prince Harry. He was single at the time, so she said 'Harry, who's your ideal girl?' And he said 'Meghan Markle from Suits'."
Some sources speculate the pair are already planning for their wedding next year, with Royal Family members reportedly being asked to clear a shortlist of suitable weekends from their diaries.
The 36-year-old actress began starring in the US paralegal drama in 2011 and is currently filming the eighth season in Toronto. She entered a relationship with Prince Harry in 2016.
It is unknown how, if at all, her status as a divorcee will affect the couple's alleged marriage plans, given the Church of England's strict rules around royal nuptials.
