Harry's First Date Fiasco: Traffic Chaos & Near Miss

In his memoir, 'Spare,' Prince Harry detailed the chaotic start to his first date with Meghan Markle, an event fraught with anxiety and logistical challenges. He confessed to being incredibly nervous about meeting Meghan for the first time in London. His stress was exacerbated by severe traffic, which led to him running late.

Harry admitted his poor communication about the delay, simply texting 'Horrible traffic,' likely irritated Meghan, who was left waiting. He explained that he couldn't simply abandon his bodyguards and run to the restaurant, fearing it would cause security issues and attract unwanted press attention. This lack of communication, he believed, surely irritated her.

Despite the initial hitch, Meghan forgave his lateness. However, the date was cut short as Meghan had prior dinner plans, leaving Harry to regret that their tardiness cost them precious time together. This brief goodbye hug marked the end of their initial encounter, a moment that could have ended their burgeoning romance.

Meghan Markle later shared her perspective on the first date in a Netflix docuseries, admitting that Harry's 30-minute delay did not create a favorable first impression. She initially felt disinclined to wait, but upon Harry's arrival, she recognized his genuine embarrassment rather than arrogance, noting he was a 'red hot sweaty mess.' Despite the difficult beginning, their relationship continued in secret and eventually led to their public announcement, engagement, and marriage in 2018.