Meghan Markle might have entered the royal spotlight in 2018 when she married Prince Harry, but her friendship with Serena Williams dates back to the time she hadn’t even met Prince Harry. Serena has been one of Meghan’s ride-or-die friends for over a decade now. And despite both of them living the busiest lives, they always find time for each other. Meghan has shown up courtside to cheer Serena on at major tennis tournaments, and Serena made sure she was there in person for Meghan’s royal wedding. Recently, the Duchess of Sussex sent over a very special gift to her bestie. What is it?

Markle and Williams are always giving us a sneak peek into their friendship. In an adorable video on her Instagram Stories a few weeks back, the American tennis icon was seen playing a personalized game of “Candy Land” with Meghan’s three-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet. Little Lili wore a pink top and floral leggings, standing beside her “Auntie Serena,” who clapped and laughed as they played at the coffee table. The moment also marked the celebration of Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

The show dives into the former Suits actress’s favorite cooking tips and tricks. Williams, of course, was quick to hype it up. Posting about the series on Instagram, she wrote, “It’s a fun and inspiring series that reminds us all how easy it is to bring a little beauty into our everyday lives, even when we least expect it. Can’t wait for you to experience it! 💖”

But that’s not all the Duchess has been up to. She’s also launched a brand-new lifestyle brand called As Ever. Think artisanal vibes and cozy treats—herbal teas, shortbread cookies, raspberry jam, crêpe mix, and even a Limited-Edition Wildflower Honey with Honeycomb. Naturally, Meghan made sure to send a full gift package from As Ever to her bestie. And Serena wasted no time showing it off on her Instagram Story. In a sweet unboxing video, she said, “Best surprise of the day — As Ever! So excited for this. Olympia, you like this? Look, jam! My gosh, crêpes! Tea — I love my tea. The one you drink, and the one I serve. Thanks!“

But how did this superstar friendship even begin?

How Meghan Markle and Serena Williams became “fast friends”

The answer goes back to 2010. Meghan Markle and Serena Williams first met at the Super Bowl that year. On Meghan’s podcast Archetypes, Serena dropped by in August 2022, and the two revisited that first meeting. The Duchess of Sussex recalled, “It was the same year as the Super Bowl when the Super Bowl was in New York. I’d never been to it before, and then I show up, and I see you walking toward someone. I remember thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, who is Serena Williams going to talk to?’ I looked behind me, and when I turned around, you were there right in front of me. We became such fast friends.”

Since then, their connection only grew stronger. When Williams was expecting her first child, Olympia, back in 2017, Markle couldn’t stop gushing. Speaking to Vogue, she said, “She will be an amazing mom. The very best, because she is so attuned to balancing strength and sensitivity.”

And when the media storm hit after Meghan’s relationship with Prince Harry went public, the tennis icon stood firm by her friend’s side. In an interview with Vanity Fair, she said, “I told her, ‘You’ve got to be who you are, Meghan. You can’t hide.”

Through royal drama, new babies, and Netflix shows, Serena and Meghan’s friendship has stayed solid. They’ve built something rare: a connection that’s lasted through adversities. Isn’t that the kind of bond we all want?