Why Meghan Markle Asked ‘X-Factor’ Winner Out And Was Ghosted

Meghan Markle reportedly started an online relationship with “X-Factor” winner Matt Cardle before she became involved with Prince Harry.

The Duchess of Sussex complimented the 36-year-old singer just before he landed his award-winning role in the West End musical “Memphis.” At the time of their social media exchange, Markle was in the United Kingdom.

Brian McGleenon, a journalist for Express, said that the “Suits” alum might have been searching for a British man while she was there. It was also reported that Markle was romantically pursued by footballer Ashley Cole.

A source told The Sun that it was Cardle who followed Markle first after seeing her on “Suits,” but it was Prince Harry’s wife who struck a conversation with the singer.

“She said she was a big fan of his work. Matt couldn’t believe a Hollywood star like Meghan would even know who he was so he was very flattered and they chatted a little bit online before she suggested meeting up,” the source said.

But around the same time, Cardle met his current girlfriend and felt that it wasn’t right to meet up with a single woman. The singer ended up ghosting the Duchess of Sussex.

“It felt like there could have been a connection but the timing was wrong. He didn’t reply to her last message,” the source said.

Cardle is in a relationship with Amber Hernaman, 28, who he credits for keeping him sober after battling drugs and alcohol addiction following his stint on the “X-Factor.”

Markle dated Prince Harry a couple of months after her exchanges with Cardle. After their almost two-year-relationship, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex decided to tie the knot at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

The couple just celebrated their first wedding anniversary on Sunday, May 19. A video from their royal wedding was uploaded to their official Instagram account. The clip featured never before seen photos of Prince Harry and Markle taken on their special day.