Meghan Markle and Prince Harry know the importance of a good picture. Whenever there's an article about them (and there are plenty, on a daily basis), there are always a few pictures attached. By now, the two are used to the attention. And they're probably aware of the perfect angles for the most flattering photo ever.
That's why they're probably two of the most capable photographers out there, especially when it comes to cellphone photography. But who knew they'd be so willing to help? Over the holidays, Meghan and Harry were vacationing in Canada, a country Meghan is quite familiar with. Prior to joining the royal family, she starred in the show Suits, which was filmed there. The couple were visiting Meghan's former costar Abigail Spencer, along with Meghan's mom, Doria Ragland.
While Doria didn't join them on their New Year's Day hike, Abigail did. And she was one of the first people whom 29-year-old Asymina Kantorowicz recognized while trying to take a scenic New Year's Day selfie with her boyfriend, Iliya Pavlovic.
"We’ve been doing this hike on New Year’s Day for the past two years," Asymina told People. "We took a little picnic out and we were finishing up and trying to get some selfies with the nice backdrop when a woman came up to us and asked if we wanted her to take our photo." It's true — Meghan and her group made a point to address the couple first.
While Asymina claims to be a Suits fan, she didn't recognize Meghan at first. Probably because she just never expected the Duchess of Sussex to be out in the open in Canada. She did, however, recognize Abigail — and that's what caused her to pay a bit more attention to who she was talking to.
Eventually, she realized that it was definitely Meghan Markle who was shooting the photo. "I couldn’t believe who it was," Asymina said. "There was Meghan smiling at me, waiting to take the photo and it was just shock at that moment and disbelief." So if you were ever wondering if Meghan was nice in person, this encounter more or less proves it.
So what made Meghan, Harry, and Abigail approach the couple? They saw that they were trying to take a photo with a selfie stick but were failing. Even though selfie sticks are a great way to get a shot that shows a bit of background, they're not foolproof — and can be unstable without a very steady hand.
"The only thing I could think to say to her was, ‘There’s only so much that selfie sticks can do,'" Asymina said. "She laughed and said something like, 'We’ll have to take a good photo then,' and then Harry said, 'No pressure.'" Meghan reportedly took three photos of the couple before wishing them a Happy New Year.
"She seemed happy and down to earth," Asymina said. "She was just enjoying her New Year’s hike with her husband and friend. She and Harry seemed really happy — like a happy newly married couple. I wish baby Archie had been there! I hope they’re enjoying their stay on Vancouver Island."
Baby Archie was likely staying with Meghan's mom, or perhaps another sitter. It's just good to know that Meghan and Harry are getting out and spending time together since that can be extremely tough to do. Meghan has opened up about the struggles of being a new mom before, and while some people chastised her for it due to her royal status, she spoke her truth.
Back in October, Meghan was chatting with Tom Bradby for a documentary. "Any woman, especially when they’re pregnant, you’re really vulnerable, and so that was made really challenging. And then when you have a newborn, you know. And especially as a woman, it’s a lot," she said, per Forbes. “So you add this on top of just trying to be a new mom or trying to be a newlywed. It’s um … yeah. I guess, also thank you for asking because not many people have asked if I’m okay, but it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes."
Even the strongest of relationships can be challenging with a newborn in the mix. Sure, Meghan and Harry have a lot of help — but they also have cameras on them. If Meghan suffered through anything during the pregnancy, there was potential for it to leak and become worldwide news, which is an added stress that no woman should have to deal with.
So this hike outside should be celebrated. It's also great that Meghan is still spending time with old friends and making sure to catch up. It's important to always have a network of supporters. Harry being by her side in Canada is also important — even though he may have been expected to spend the holidays in the UK, it's vital to spend time with both families, especially after having a baby.
According to Asymina, there were also two dogs tagging along on this hike — Meghan's pet beagle, named Guy, and the dog adopted by the couple back in 2018, who is reportedly a Labrador mix. So it's nice that Meghan and Harry included their fur children on this trip. Not many dogs can say they fly internationally.
Baby Archie reportedly had a very nice Christmas in Canada with his grandmother. According to Express, his parents didn't go overboard with gifts. In fact, the most extravagant gift he reportedly got was an indoor baby ball pit, which is being criticized for reasons you might not expect.
Meghan and Harry are often under the microscope about environmental issues, and a ball pit contains a lot of plastic. But the truth is, it was a gift — and the couple seems to be doing all they can to live as naturally and environmentally conscious as possible. The most important thing is that Archie will have a great time playing with it — and who knows? Maybe they can find a way to upcycle it, or donate it to someone when they're done with it.
Meghan and Harry have had a tough, yet joyous year. Their lives have changed so much in such a short amount of time. Seeing them happy — and willingly engaging with the public — is such a relief. Sometimes, we all need some time away to recharge. Let's hope that 2020 brings nothing but good to the loving couple.
