All the Royals Who Married Commoners
Just like a modern-day fairy tale, some royals have turned their back on tradition and married a regular commoner, instead of a fellow member of the ruling class.
When the royals do anything, people love to hear about it, especially in the romance department. Whether it be a royal wedding or a new royal romance, people love to hear the details. And people especially love to hear about when a royal member falls for a commoner — which Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton were all considered at the time of their courting.
You’ve definitely seen a Hallmark movie that romanticizes the trope: A royal family member gives up their throne or risks everything to be with the commoner-girl-next-door type. And when Prince Harry was swept off his feet by Meghan Markle in 2016, that felt like proof that that Hallmark love happens in real life too, even down to Harry giving up his royal title a few years later. Hallmark movies didn’t lie to us after all — many Royal members in real life risk it all for love, not just Harry.
From Great Britain to Japan, love truly knows no boundaries — and these recent famous examples aren’t the only ones who’ve had a real-life Hallmark love story. From love at first sight like Princess Beatrice to Prince Charles’ multiple proposals, check out some wild stories about how royals marrying commoners has played out over the years.
A version of this article was originally published in Oct. 2021.
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Princess Martha Louise of Norway & Durek Verrett
Princess Martha Louise of Norway and American shaman Durek Verrett married in a multi-day wedding celebration, starting on Aug 31, per People.
The couple met in 2018 through their mutual friend Millana Snow, but years prior, Verrett’s mother predicted he’d marry a Norwegian princess.
Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster & Olivia Henson
On June 7, 2024, Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson married after two years together and nearly one year of being engaged. While she has roots in the royal family, she is actually worked in the sustainable food and drinks industry.
King Charles III & Camilla Parker-Bowles
Despite her affluent upbringing and her early relationship with the then-Prince Charles, Camilla’s commoner status was one of the reasons she initially wasn’t deemed a good match for the future king.
Charles went on to marry Lady Diana Spencer and welcomed two sons, but his ongoing affair with Camilla eventually led to the end of their marriage.
Charles and Camilla married in 2005 and have been together since.
Prince Abdul Mateen & Anisha Rosnah
Anisha Rosnah had an impressive career as the owner of a fashion brand and co-founder of a travel agency before beginning a romanc with Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei in 2018. The couple married in an opulent ceremony in January 2024.
Daniel Westling & Crown Princess Victoria, of Sweden
Princess Victoria initially hired Daniel Westling as her personal trainer before their relationship became public in 2002. Daniel remained largely out of the public eye until the couple married in 2010. The couple share two children and Prince Daniel has since leaned into his royal role, particularly in issues related to health and sports.
Prince Edward & Sophie Rhys-Jones
While Sophie Rhys-Jones is a distant descendant of King Henry IV of England, she grew up in a middle class family before working in public relations for Britain’s Capital Radio.
While working there, she met Prince Andrew in 1987, while he was dating her friend. The couple reconnected in 1993 and married in 1999. They share two children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex.
Prince Ludwig of Bavaria & Sophie-Alexandra Evekink
Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and former human rights lawyer Sophie-Alexandra Evekink married in a lavish religious ceremony at the Theatiner Church in Munich, Germany, in May 2023. In March 2024, they announced they are expecting their first child.
Alexandra of Luxembourg & Nicolas Bagory
Back in Nov 2022, Alexandra of Luxembourg and Nicolas Bagory announced their engagement, and on April 22, they wed in a civil ceremony at Place Guillaume. While not much is known about their relationship, we do know, per People, that Bagory was raised in Brittany, France and studied political science. He works in social and cultural projects.
The couple welcomed a daughter, Victoire, in May 2024.
Princess Maria-Laura of Belgium & William Isvy
Belgium’s Princess Maria Laura and investment banker William Isvy tied the knot in Brussels on Sept. 10, after getting engaged in Dec. 2021. Maria Laura is the eldest daughter of Princess Astrid and Prince Lorenz, and a niece of the Belgian King Philippe. For her wedding, she wore two show-stopping wedding dresses from Gucci and a custom Vivienne Westwood one!
Edward VIII & Wallis Simpson
Edward VIII was the first British royal to voluntarily abdicate his royal title as King to marry his love Wallis Simpson. She was an American socialite who was married twice before, making it scandalous if he married her. So after less than a year after becoming King, he left and had his brother King George VI succeed the throne. He and Simpson were together for 35 years until his death in 1972.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle
Back in 2016, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met through a blind date, and by the end of the following year, they announced their engagement. Meghan Markle was an actress in hit shows like Fringe and Suits before officially becoming the Duchess of Sussex in 2018. Since then, the pair have distanced themselves from the royal family and have two wonderful children.
Prince William & Kate Middleton
One of the most popular fairy tales of our time is of Kate Middleton and Prince William. The pair met at the University of St. Andrews when Middleton was studying art history. They had an on-and-off relationship for a few years before officially tying the knot in 2011. Since then, they’ve been making huge contributions to the environment and have three children together.
Prince Kunle & Keisha Omilana
Nigeria’s Prince Adekunle “Kunle” Adebayo Omilana and Keisha Omilana met back when Keisha was a model, working for brands like Pantene, Maybelline, and Covergirl. He fell for her instantly, asking her out, but she originally declined. She later reconsidered, and he went all out for their first date: he rented out an entire restaurant and covered the floor in rose petals, per Business Insider.
The two now have two children named Omoba ‘Diran and Omoba ‘Dior.
Prince Albert & Charlene Wittstock
When Grace Kelly‘s son Prince Albert and South African Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock met back in 2000, sparks flew almost immediately. They ended up dating for over a decade before tying the knot in a huge ceremony in the summer of 2011. They’ve been married for over a decade, welcoming twins in 2014.
Princess Beatrice & Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi met in 2018, soon after her split from a decade-long relationship with Dave Clark. Sparks flew immediately, and everyone knew the two were meant to be together. Since then, they got engaged in 2019, married in a stunning ceremony in 2020, and welcomed their first child, Sienna Elizabeth in 2022.
Farah Pahlavi & Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Back in 1959, Farah Pahlavi and Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi married, while Farah was studying architecture as a college student. Soon after, they welcomed four children named Reza, Farahnaz, Ali Reza, and Leila, all of whom she outlived, along with her husband, who passed away in 1980.
After the Islamic Revolution, she was exiled in 1979 and has worked with charities throughout her life.
Mohammed VI of Morocco & Salma Bennani
Mohammed VI of Morocco and Salma Bennani met during a private party when Bennani was working as a computer engineer with the ONA Group. He broke royal tradition left and right for her, marrying officially in March 2002 and later welcoming two children named Crown Prince Moulay Hassan and Princess Lalla Khadija.
Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau & Mabel Wisse Smit
Prince Friso of Orange-Nassau and Mabel Wisse Smit met in the early 2000s after being introduced by Princess Laurentien, leading to one of the most scandalous royal couplings of all time. After announcing their engagement in the summer of 2003, many tried to stop the marriage because of her alleged connection to a notorious drug lord.
However, they married in April 2004, later welcoming two children named Countess Emma Luana Ninette Sophie and Countess Joanna Zaria Nicoline Milou.
Prince Friso tragically died in 2013 after suffering injuries when he got caught in an avalanche while skiing.
Prince Louis of Luxembourg & Tessy Antony
Prince Louis of Luxembourg and Tessy Antony met when he was in the army, sparking a relationship soon after. They welcomed a son named Gabriel Michael Louis Ronny de Nassau. They married in 2006, welcoming another son named Noah in 2007. The pair were together until 2019, with Antony remarrying soon after and becoming the UNAIDS Global Advocate for Young Women and Adolescent Girls.
Princess Margaret of the United Kingdom & Antony Armstrong-Jones
Princess Margaret of the United Kingdom and photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones met in the late 1950s at a party and later got engaged only one year later, marrying the year after that in 1960. They welcomed two children named David and Sarah.
However, rumors spread that in 1966, Margaret had her first affair with her daughter’s godfather Anthony Barton. And the pair ended up divorcing in 1978.
Princess Alexia of Greece & Denmark and Carlos Morales
Princess Alexia of Greece and Denmark married architect and champion yachtsman Carlos Morales in 1999, welcoming four children named four children: Arrietta, Anna Maria, Carlos, and Amelia. They met five years prior at a race in Barcelona in 1994 and have been happily together since.
King Hussein of Jordan & Queen Noor of Jordan
Before she was known as Queen Noor of Jordan, Lisa Najeeb Halaby worked in the architectural and aviation fields before meeting her future husband King Hussein of Jordan. They met while Halaby was on a Middle Eastern tour. A few months later, he invited her to meet his children from previous marriages, per Royal Central. They had four children together and were together from 1978 til his death in 1999.
Prince Carl Philip & Sofia Hellqvist
Prince Carl Philip and Sofia Hellqvist met back in 2010, and the public had some strong opinions. Hellqvist was a model who did some risqué shoots and later became a reality star. But the couple embraced it and married in 2015. They now have three children together.
Prince Nikolaos & Tatiana Blatnik
As a member of a non-reigning royal family, Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Denmark isn’t your average royal and maintains a private career. So, it wasn’t shocking when he married a commoner, who was also born into a very well-connected family!
The prince married the Diane Von Furstenburg publicist in 2010 and never welcomed children. They announced their separation in April 2024.
Grace Kelly & Rainier III, Prince of Monaco
Just when you thought Grace Kelly couldn’t have been more perfect, she ended up being a princess. The legendary Old-Hollywood actress left Hollywood behind when she decided to marry Rainier III. They met during a photoshoot at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955, and the rest is history. They married in 1956 and had three beautiful children.
Crown Prince Haakon and Mette-Marit H?iby
Mette-Marit first met Crown Prince Haakon of Norway at a garden party during Norway’s largest rock festival. When they reconnected a few years later, she was a single mother.
They announced their engagement, and the public was very negative, saying she was uneducated and a poor fit. But she proved them wrong by being an amazing Crown Princess. They married in 2001, added two more kids to their family, and she’s gained a master’s degree in Executive Management.
King Abdullah II & Rania Al-Yassin
Rania Al-Yassin was originally a marketing executive when she and Abdullah II met in 1993. Only six months later, they got hitched and their wedding was considered a national holiday. Six years later, they became the King and Queen of Jordan. They’re still happily married with four children.
Princess Eugenie & Jack Brooksbank
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank were together seven years before their engagement in 2018. They met while Eugenie was on holiday at a ski resort Jack was working at. They got married later that year and welcomed a baby boy in 2021. Their second son was born in 2023.
Màxima Zorreguieta Cerruti & King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
Financial guru Màxima Zorreguieta Cerruti met the future King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander in 1999 during the Seville Spring Fair.
While their engagement caused controversy due to Màxima’s father’s involvment in Argentine dictatorship, the two married in 2002 and have been together since. They have welcomed three daughters: Princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane.
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York & Prince Andrew, Duke of York
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and Prince Andrew, Duke of York knew each other since they were children. However, they didn’t get together until 1985, marrying two years later.
Before they got together, Sarah was involved in PR, publishing, and a slew of other career paths before settling into royal life.
They welcomed two daughters: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie before divorcing in 1996.
Princess Anne & Mark Phillips
Like her borthers Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter, also married a commoner. She met Mark Phillips, a member of the military, in 1969 before marrying four years later. Upon their marriage, Phillips was offered an earldom but declined and, thus, their two children, Zara and Peter, were born without royal titles.
Phillips went on to win an Olympic gold medal in 1972 and a silver medal in 1988 as a member of the British equestrian team.
Anne and Phillips divorced in April 1992, after Anne’s relationship with Sir Timothy Laurence was made public. Anne married Timothy Laurence at the end of 1992. But she and Phillips have remained friends and are often seen together at events.
Michiko Shōda & Emperor Akihito
Michiko Shōda and then-Crown Prince Akihito of the Imperial House of Japan met in 1957 at a tennis court and almost immediately; they dated. Only a year later, they got engaged.
Many opposed their relationship since Michiko would be the first commoner to marry into the Imperial family. Despite the public opinion, the two married in 1959 and have been together since.
Akihito became emperor in 1989 and abdicated in 2019, passing the role on to the couple’s son, Naruhito. They also share another son and a daughter.
Crown Prince Naruhito & Masako Owada
Like father, like son! Akihito’s son Crown Prince Naruhito fell for Masako when they met in 1986 when Masako was studying law at the University of Tokyo.
After dating for quite some time, she finally accepted the Prince’s third marriage proposal in 1993. They married soon after, and welcomed a beautiful daughter, Aiko, into the world. As of 2019, they became the emperor and empress.
Queen Silvia & King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden
Queen Silvia of Sweden and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden originally met at the 1972 Summer Olympics. At the time, Silvia was a marketing specialist but the two fell in love almost instantly. They married in June 1976, and according to an archive video on YouTube, ABBA performed “Dancing Queen” for the very first time, as a tribute to her. The two have been together ever since, welcoming three children into the world.
King of Lesotho, Letsie III & ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso
‘Masenate and Letsie met back in 1996, and later got engaged in 1999 while she was studying at the National University of Lesotho. Their marriage was big news in the country since it was the first time a royal had married a commoner.
Since then, ‘Masenate has been a huge advocate for HIV/AIDs crisis awareness. The pair are still happily married with three children.
Princess Lee Radziwill & Prince Stanislaw Albrecht Radziwill
Jackie Kennedy‘s younger sister Caroline Lee Bouvier met Prince Stanislaw Albrecht Radziwill while her first marriage was crumbling. While not much is known about the two’s origin story, it’s well known that they married in 1959. They had two children together before divorcing in 1974.
Harald V & Sonja Haraldsen
Sonja studied dressmaking, and later got a degree in French, English, and Art History at the esteemed University of Oslo. Prince Harald of Norway and Sonja met back in 1959 and kept their relationship a secret for nearly a decade.
Despite Harald’s father being against the couple getting engaged, Harald said Sonja was the only woman he’d ever marry. They married in 1968, and over 50 years later, they are happy together and ruling over the country peacefully. They have two children.
Marie-Chantal Miller & Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece
Marie-Chantal Miller lived around the world before she decided to pursue an Art History degree at NYU. She dropped out, however, after the Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece proposed to her on a skiing vacation. They met on a blind date, and the way he recounted it is something out of a fairytale. In a 2008 interview with Vanity Fair, he said, “I always had a girlfriend and moved on and went to another one. But the moment I saw Marie-Chantal, I said, ‘Well, this is what I’ve been looking for.'”
The pair married in 1995, she converted to Greek Orthodox, and they now have five children together.
King Felipe VI & Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano
Before becoming Queen of Spain, Letizia Ortiz was a journalist and news anchor for Televisión Espa?ola. Apparently, the future King, Felipe, was a fan of hers and asked a mutual friend to set up a date. They didn’t start dating until a few months later and kept their romance a secret until they announced their engagement in 2003.
The public was shocked since there was never a commoner in the Royal family. But the pair married in 2004, making her the first commoner to marry into the family. They have two daughters, Leonor and Sofia.
Jetsun Pema & Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Allegedly, Jetsun and Jigme met at a picnic, where he promised to marry her when they grew up. Before they married, and Jetsun became the Queen, she attended Regent’s College in London to study international relations, psychology, and art history.
The couple had a grand wedding back in 2011. They share two sons and one daughter.
Princess Madeleine of Sweden & Christopher O’Neill
American banker Christopher O’Neill met Princess Madeleine of Sweden through mutual friends while both of them were living in New York, according to People. They married in 2013, welcoming three children named Leonore Lilian Maria Nicolas Paul Gustaf and Adrienne Josephine Alice.
