Paula Abdul responds to Meghan Markle after the duchess uses her 1989 hit for anniversary post
Meghan and Harry celebrated their eighth anniversary with a recreation of their lemon and elderflower wedding cake at home
Meghan Markle received an unexpected shoutout from Paula Abdul after using one of the pop icon's biggest hits to accompany her eighth wedding anniversary posts on Instagram.
The Instagram moment
On 19 May, Meghan shared a series of posts celebrating her and Prince Harry's eighth anniversary, including never-before-seen photographs from their nuptials.
One collection featured black and white portraits of the couple sharing quiet moments in the cloisters of St George's Chapel in Windsor, where they exchanged vows in 2018.
Accompanying her Instagram story post, Meghan, 44, chose Abdul's 1989 hit Forever Your Girl as the soundtrack.
The following day, Abdul, 63, returned the gesture by reposting the duchess's story on her own account. "So sweet to hear 'Forever Your Girl' over these beautiful memories," the singer wrote. "Wishing you both continued love, laughter and a very Happy Anniversary! XoP."
A bronze penguin and a recreated wedding cake
Meghan's celebrations with Harry, 41, extended well beyond social media. The couple marked the milestone with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, four, blowing out candles on a lemon and elderflower cake — the same flavour used for their actual wedding cake, made by London bakery owner Claire Ptak.
Harry also surprised Meghan with a bronze sculpture of two penguins nestled closely together. Bronze is the traditional material associated with eighth wedding anniversaries, symbolising strength and durability. But it was the choice of penguins that held particular meaning.
Meghan explained to their children: "When mama and papa got engaged, we had a party with all of our friends, and we said, 'Everyone wear an animal onesie.'"
She added: "We were penguins. Because we're together for life." She then showed a photograph of herself and Harry in matching penguin costumes.
The British Airways surprise
The couple also received a heartfelt gesture from the crew of British Airways flight BA 269, on which Meghan had travelled home from Geneva, Switzerland on 18 May.
The handwritten card, covered in signatures and personal notes and dated 18 May, read: "Dearest Harry and Meghan, Wishing you a wonderful wedding anniversary, With love, The whole British Airways family."
A source close to the Duchess told PEOPLE: "Meghan's flight crew was so lovely on her way back from Geneva. They all came to say happy anniversary and shared their memories of where they were on the day.
"They wrote Harry and Meghan a card and gave them a bottle of champagne and British candies for Harry and the kids. It was very special and so appreciated by Meghan, who wanted to publicly thank them. She was truly so touched."
