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. Both women are charitable beyond measure. Both married into the British royal family and were embraced almost instantly by the people. Both are known for their impeccable style. They even share a love for handwritten letters.
RELATED STORY
What's more, throughout their relationship, Meghan and Prince Harry have made a point to honor Diana 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.
"I had always been the theater nerd at Northwestern University," she told Marie Claire 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 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 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 for cancer research groups—including the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
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 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 as she boarded her flight home from the trip. “It’s been wonderful.”
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. 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.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Royals, Paul McCartney, Nicola Coughlan, Salma Hayek... Was Taylor Swift's London Eras Tour Her Most Star-Studded Yet?
Imagine all the people........
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Kate Middleton Confirms She Will Attend Trooping the Colour in a Heartfelt Update on Her Cancer Treatment
"I am making good progress."
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published