'Free spirit' Meghan Markle named in Time’s most influential list

Meghan Markle has been described as a “strong, free spirit” who “found her prince, fell in love and in turn made a cynical world believe in fairy tales again” by her friend, the actress Priyanka Chopra.

Both Ms Markle and Prince Harry, who will wed in Windsor in exactly one month’s time, were named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2018.

Chopra, to accompany the American star’s entry, wrote in the magazine that Ms Markle was an important influencer, who will be a “princess for the people”.

The Indian actress and philanthropist said: “This ever-smiling, strong free spirit found her prince, fell in love and in turn made a cynical world believe in fairy tales again.

“But more than anything else, Meghan is an important influencer in a world that needs strong public figures to respect and look up to.

“People the world can be inspired by. Meghan, standing shoulder to shoulder with Harry, will be a princess for the people.”

Chopra wrote of how the compassionate royal bride-to-be cares deeply for the world, adding: “With her, what you see is real, and what you get is a relatable young woman with her heart and mind in the right place.

She finished with an address to Ms Markle, saying: “Love always, my friend. Live happily ever after.”

Harry’s entry was written by singer Sir Elton John, who said: “Prince Harry has that rare ability to walk into a room full of strangers and make everyone feel comfortable and at ease.

“As he has grown in maturity, I have watched him take on these causes with the remarkable skill to see and communicate how it truly feels for the people he is trying to help.”

Sir Elton, who was friends with Harry’s late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, added: “What a joy it has been to see that young boy grow to inherit his mother’s warmth, sense of humour and courage to stand up and champion the causes he truly believes in.”

He praised him for his commitment to ending the global Aids epidemic and his founding of the Invictus Games.