Rumors have long circulated that fashion designer Misha Nonoo played a crucial role in introducing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
However, in his memoir Spare, Harry confirmed that it was in fact his childhood friend, Violet Von Westenholz, who brought them together.
Regardless, Meghan and Misha’s enduring friendship remains a testament to their bond, both personally and professionally.
In his book Meghan: A Hollywood Princess, Andrew Morton describes how the Suits actress and Misha met in December 2014 at Art Basel, an exclusive event at the Soho Beach House in Miami.
At the time, Misha was married to Alexander Gilkes, who attended Eton with Prince Harry, and Meghan was dating Cory Vitiello, a chef from Toronto.
It is widely speculated that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were introduced by fashion designer Misha Nonoo
Meghan and Cory were invited to Miami Art Basel by her friend Markus Anderson, the membership director of Soho House.
The extravagant beach event offered a mix of entertainment and luxury, with dancing, cocktails and indulgent beauty treatments.
Guests were welcomed to their rooms with sapphire gin baskets and a fully stocked drinks bar, setting the tone for an evening of luxurious relaxation and celebration.
When Meghan was introduced to Misha, they reportedly hit it off immediately.
Mr. Morton writes, “Markus Anderson is a great fixer and mixer. He has an instinct for bringing together strangers who he thinks could be a success.
‘During lunch, he sat Meghan next to Bahrain-born fashion designer Misha Nonoo. At the time, she was an emerging designer known as much for her marriage to art dealer Alexander Gilkes, a friend of Princes William and Harry, as for her idiosyncratic designs.
‘Meghan and Misha got on well, lunchtime drinks progressed into evening cocktails.
‘During the afternoon they started talking about her new collection, which would be unveiled during New York Fashion Week. Meghan is said to be on a break from Suits. She would be there.’
Meghan even had a front row seat at Misha Nonoo’s runway debut, a collection that highlighted female empowerment – a cause Meghan has long been passionate about.
The actress later praised the designs during an appearance on the Yahoo! Style fashion program, in which the presentation highlights how the models style their own hair.
Meghan was particularly struck by this detail, noting, “It just set the tone,” as she enthusiastically supported her friend’s collection.
Their friendship would grow stronger over the years, with Misha becoming a key figure in Meghan’s inner circle.
Meghan and Misha met through their mutual friend Markus Anderson, center, in 2014
Misha was previously married to Alexander Gilkes, who attended Eton with Prince Harry
RL: Alexander Gilkes, Markus Anderson, Misha Nonoo, Nick Jones, Jay Jopling and Hikari Yokoyama attend Art Basel Miami at Soho Beach House in 2014
Meghan attended Misha Nonoo’s show during New York Fashion Week in February 2015
Meghan famously chose Misha Nonoo’s ‘Husband’ shirt for her first public appearance with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in September 2017
Misha collaborated with the Duchess on her Smart Works charity line in 2019. Smart Works was one of four public patronages Meghan received after she married Prince Harry.
Princess Eugenie attended Misha Nonoo’s pop-up launch in New York in 2019. Eugenie worked at Misha’s ex-husband Alexander’s auction house Paddle8 in the city for almost two years.
Misha and her current husband Michael Hess were among the high-profile guests at Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding in 2018
Misha (left) and Meghan are still on good terms and pose with Bobbi Brown at the G9 Ventures Summer Summit in July
The Duchess has consistently supported Misha by wearing her fashion designs on several notable occasions.
She memorably chose the ‘Husband’ shirt for her first public appearance with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in September 2017.
Additionally, Meghan wore another Misha piece during her last meeting in Britain in 2020, just before stepping back from her royal duties.
This continued support underlines their close friendship and shared appreciation for fashion.
Misha and her current husband Michael Hess were among the high-profile guests at Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding in 2018.
In turn, Harry and Meghan attended Misha and Mikey’s wedding in Rome the following year, along with Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice.
Eugenie worked for almost two years at Misha’s ex-husband Alexander’s auction house Paddle8 in New York.
Misha, who collaborated with the Duchess on her Smart Works charity line, told Femail in 2020 about her friendship with the royal family.
Reflecting on the experience of the collaboration, Misha described Meghan as “the ultimate professional” and very “considerate” to the women the collection helped.
“It was such an ideal, incredibly easy collaboration,” she said. “It was wonderful from start to finish, thoughtful and considerate, just like her.”
The pair appear to remain on good terms after posing for photos with Bobbi Brown at the G9 Ventures Summer Summit in July.