Princess Diana and Meghan Markle Both Spent Time at Northwesten University in Chicago
Princess Diana and Meghan Markle share a sweet Chicago connection. Both women were brought to the city by Northwestern University—Meghan as a student and Diana as a guest of the president of the university.

There are several undeniable similarities between Meghan Markle and the late Princess Diana (opens in new tab). Both women are charitable (opens in new tab) beyond measure. Both married into the British royal family (opens in new tab) and were embraced almost instantly by the people. Both are known for their impeccable style (opens in new tab). They even share a love for handwritten letters (opens in new tab).
RELATED STORY
What's more, throughout their relationship, Meghan and Prince Harry have made a point to honor Diana (opens in new tab) at every milestone.
But, Meghan and Diana have another connection that far predates Meghan's induction as royalty: Northwestern University.
Put simply, the highly-ranked university is the reason both Meghan and Diana made a connection with the city of Chicago. Meghan's connection to Northwestern is obvious—she attended the school, graduating in 2003 with a double major in international studies and theater (opens in new tab).
"I had always been the theater nerd at Northwestern University," she told Marie Claire (opens in new tab) in 2013. "I knew I wanted to do acting, but I hated the idea of being this cliché—a girl from L.A. who decides to be an actress. I wanted more than that, and I had always loved politics, so I ended up changing my major completely, and double-majoring in theater and international relations."
Princess Diana's Northwestern connection (opens in new tab) is a little less well-known, however. In 1996, she visited Chicago on the invitation of university president Henry Bienen, with whom she attended a formal fundraising gala (opens in new tab) at Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History. The gala was to raise money for cancer research and Diana wore a bright purple (the school's color) Versace gown for the occasion.
Diana's visit raised $1.5 million (opens in new tab) for cancer research groups—including the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern.
During her three-day stay in Chicago, Diana also took a tour of the Northwestern campus, walking the same grounds her future daughter-in-law would call home for four years.
[image id='4166cfa9-eb3c-49cd-9a74-27d379c87ad4' mediaId='f5708d3d-9f4c-4da2-85a6-0e8a1ae192a1' align='center' size='medium' share='true' caption='' expand='' crop='original'][/image]
There are even pictures of Diana (opens in new tab) floating around the internet that show the late princess walking around in a purple Northwestern sweatshirt and white shorts, looking ready for a game day tailgate. There's no doubt she would have been very proud of her daughter-in-law's alma mater and who knows, maybe there's an alternate universe where Meghan and Diana watch NU games on TV in matching hoodies. It's nice to think about, anyway.
“I love Chicago,” Diana said (opens in new tab) as she boarded her flight home from the trip. “It’s been wonderful.”
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
New Horror Movies We're Dying to Watch
Brand-new nightmare fuel, right this way.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
'Really Good, Actually' Is Our February Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from Monica Heisey's debut novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Creating a Pared-Back Wardrobe Starts With the Basics—Here Are My Top 30 Picks
I’ve got the essentials covered.
By Humaa Hussain
-
Royals Probably "Laughed" About Kim Kardashian Buying Princess Diana's Necklace, Expert Claims
It's probably not a big deal to them.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Likely "Shocked" by the "Negative Pushback" Over 'Spare,' Royal Expert Says
They thought it would be more like the aftermath of Oprah.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana Didn't Want to Move Away From England, Her Former Butler Claims
Obviously, we can't ever really know the truth.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
King Charles Will Not Hold "Peace Talks" With Harry and Meghan Before the Coronation, Royal Expert Claims
Oh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Diana's Butler Responds to Prince Harry Referring to Him as "The Butler" in 'Spare'
Paul Burrell says he's confused and hurt.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Eugenie's New Baby Will Allow the Royal Family to "Put Behind Them a Year of Sorrow and Conflict," Astrologer Says
All good things!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry "Should Have Been Prince William's Wingman," Has Become His "Hitman" Instead, Royal Expert Says
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
There's No Chance of Reconciliation Between Prince Harry and His Family "In the Short Term," Royal Expert Claims
Urgh.
By Iris Goldsztajn