Frankel on Meghan Markle's Ex: 'She'll Close' on Prince Harry
Meghan Markle at a promotional event for the TV show "Suits," 2013. Photo courtesy of Genevieve under CC BY 2.0.
In a candid moment that feels like a scene straight out of a royal drama, Bethenny Frankel, the outspoken star of "Real Housewives of New York City," revealed a striking insight into Meghan Markle's early romance with Prince Harry. According to Frankel, Meghan's first husband, Trevor Engelson, who was married to her from August 2011 to 2014, had a resigned yet confident reaction when he learned about Meghan's new relationship with the Duke of Sussex. His alleged response was simple but loaded with meaning: "She'll close." This phrase, interpreted here as carrying a mix of pride and inevitability, captures the emotional complexity of a man watching his ex-wife leap into a world far beyond their shared past.
The Ex-Husband's Resigned Pride
Trevor Engelson's reaction, as shared by Frankel on the podcast "The Toast," was not one of bitterness or surprise but rather a quiet acknowledgment of Meghan's ambition and determination. When Frankel first met Engelson, he casually mentioned that his ex-wife was an actress from a show called "Suits." At the time, Frankel had no idea who Meghan Markle was or the significance of the show. Months later, when she saw pictures of Prince Harry dating someone, she reportedly texted Engelson to confirm if it was indeed his ex. His alleged reply was straightforward: yes, it was Meghan, as reported by the New York Post.
When Frankel asked if he thought Meghan would "close" the deal — meaning marry Harry — she says Engelson's confident answer was, "Oh, she'll close," as reported by Page Six. This response reveals a man who, despite the end of his marriage, recognized Meghan's ability to navigate and ultimately secure her place in a new, dazzling chapter of life. While the phrase is not a direct quote of Engelson's feelings, it is the author's interpretation that it carries a sense of resigned pride and inevitability, a tacit admission that Meghan was destined for something extraordinary, even if it meant moving on without him.
Meghan's Ambitious Leap
Meghan Markle's journey from a television actress on "Suits" to a member of the British royal family is nothing short of cinematic. Her marriage to Trevor Engelson, a film producer, lasted from August 2011 to 2014, a period during which she was steadily building her career. But it was her relationship with Prince Harry, which began around 2016, that catapulted her into a global spotlight unlike anything she had experienced before.
Frankel's recounting of the timeline adds a layer of intrigue. She met Engelson in 2016, the same year Meghan and Harry's romance began. The fact that Engelson was already aware of Meghan's new relationship and predicted its outcome speaks volumes about Meghan's character. She was not just dating a prince; she was strategically positioning herself to "close" — meaning marry Harry — on a life that would redefine her public and private identity.
This leap was ambitious and bold. Meghan's transition from Hollywood to royalty was fraught with challenges, public scrutiny, and intense media attention. Yet, her ability to secure a proposal from Prince Harry in November 2017 and marry him the following year confirmed her success in navigating this complex world.
The Royal Backdrop and Public Arc
The backdrop of Meghan and Harry's relationship is steeped in royal tradition, media frenzy, and cultural significance. Their wedding at Windsor Castle was a global event, watched by millions and symbolizing a modernizing monarchy. Yet, their story has also been marked by controversy, including their decision to step back from royal duties and relocate to Montecito, California.
Frankel's reflections on Meghan's post-royal life add a nuanced perspective. She admires Meghan's initial impact on the monarchy and the message she brought but also critiques some of the couple's decisions since moving to the United States. "It just seemed like had they been managed properly or really been strategic, like played chess, it would've such a different outcome," Frankel suggested, as reported by the New York Post, hinting at the complexities behind the glamorous facade.
The emotional arc of Meghan's relationship with Harry, from a Hollywood actress to a duchess and then a figure navigating life outside the royal spotlight, is a story of ambition, transformation, and resilience. Engelson's reported response, "She'll close," encapsulates this journey — a recognition of Meghan's drive and the inevitability of her success, even as it meant leaving behind her past.
A Glimpse Into the Private Lives Behind Public Headlines
What makes this revelation so compelling is the glimpse it offers into the private emotions behind public personas. Trevor Engelson's reaction is not just about Meghan's new relationship; it's about coming to terms with change, ambition, and the unpredictable paths life can take. It's a story of a man who once shared a life with Meghan, now watching her ascend to a realm few ever reach.
References: How Meghan Markle's ex-husband reacted to her dating Prince Harry: Bethenny Frankel | Meghan Markle's ex-husband had wild reaction to Prince Harry romance: Bethenny Frankel | How Meghan Markle's ex-husband reacted to her dating Prince Harry, according to Bethenny Frankel
