As Meghan Markle and Prince Harry celebrate another milestone in their marriage, the Duchess of Sussex has received an unexpected show of support from Paula Abdul.
The entertainment icon congratulated Meghan on their eighth wedding anniversary after the Duchess used one of Abdul’s songs in a tribute to Harry.
May 19 marked another year of marriage for Harry and Meghan. To celebrate her husband, the Duchess took to her Instagram Story with a series of throwback photos set to Abdul’s 1989 hit “Forever Your Girl.”
The tribute drew a wave of congratulatory messages, including one from Abdul herself the following day.
The 63-year-old singer reposted Meghan’s story to her own page and added a message saying the song was a fitting choice for the occasion and wished the couple a happy anniversary.
“So sweet to hear ‘Forever Your Girl’ over these beautiful memories,” Abdul wrote, per PEOPLE Magazine. “Wishing you both continued love, laughter, and a very Happy Anniversary! XoP.”
Meghan Shares Wedding Throwbacks With Harry
Many of the photos Meghan shared on Instagram to mark the celebration were throwback images from her wedding to Harry.
The Duke of Sussex could be seen dressed in his official attire, while Meghan wore her traditional bridal gown. In one shot, the pair shared a passionate kiss, while another captured Harry delivering his wedding speech.
Another image showed how packed the gathering was at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, where the couple exchanged their vows. One monochrome shot also spotlighted legendary singer Elton John entertaining guests at the piano.
In a separate post, Meghan shared several photos of herself and Harry dancing at their wedding reception, with some showing the couple making playful, goofy faces together.
Harry Surprises Meghan With Anniversary Gift
Meghan and Harry made sure their busy schedules did not stop them from celebrating the special milestone. The couple spent the day at home with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who also joined in the festivities.
As part of the celebration, they blew out candles on a lemon and elderflower cake, a nostalgic choice that mirrored the flavor of their original 2018 wedding cake created by London baker Claire Ptak.
Harry also surprised Meghan with a bronze sculpture featuring two penguins nestled closely together. The prince appeared to draw inspiration from the tradition of bronze being associated with eight wedding anniversaries, symbolizing strength and durability in marriage.
Still, it was the penguin design itself that appeared to touch Meghan the most. The Duchess explained to her children that the sculpture reminded her of a time when she and Harry wore matching penguin costumes to a party shortly after they got engaged.
Meghan Markle Shows Gifts From Prince Archie And Princess Lilibet
During the anniversary celebration, Meghan subtly gave fans a glimpse at some of the heartfelt gifts she and Harry received from their children.
Among the presents were two poster boards seen propped against a table in a photo Meghan shared on her Instagram Story.
The children also showed off their creativity by gifting their parents two handmade clay bowls, which were displayed on the wooden island in the family’s kitchen.
Also included among the gifts was an envelope labeled “Mama and Papa,” the affectionate names their children use for them. Meghan did not share any details about what the letter contained, but it appeared to be a tribute from the kids to their parents.
Meghan Receives Anniversary Gesture From British Airways
More warm gestures came from British Airways flight crew, who gave the Duchess a handwritten note to mark the milestone when she used their services a day earlier.
“Dearest Harry and Meghan, Wishing you a wonderful wedding anniversary, With love, The whole British Airways family,” read the note, which Meghan received on her way back from Geneva, Switzerland.
The card, along with an accompanying bottle of champagne and candies, left Meghan deeply touched, according to a source.
“It was very special and so appreciated by Meghan, who wanted to publicly thank them. She was truly so touched,” per PEOPLE Magazine.
