Inside Meghan Markle and her former Suits co-star Patrick J Adams’ friendship as he defends her

Suits star Patrick J Adams made headlines as he spoke out in defense of his former co-star Meghan Markle amid ongoing bullying claims.

The Canadian actor – whose character Mike Ross was in a relationship with Meghan’s character Rachel Zane in the hit legal series – showed his support for Prince Harry’s wife ahead of the couple’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.

In a scathing post, the actor lashed out at press and the royal family for the treatment he believed his friend had been receiving in recent years.

But what is known of Patrick’s relationship with Meghan before she became a member of the royal family?

When did Patrick Adams and Meghan Markle work together?

Patrick J Adams and Meghan Markle met in 2007 on the TV pilot for an ABC series.

However, they didn’t star working together until they landed their roles on Suits in 2011.

The two actors quickly became firm friends, with Patrick stating in an interview that they became close because they were the youngest actors on the set ‘with the least experience.’

Due to her relationship with Prince Harry, Meghan filmed her final scenes of Suits – the end of season seven – in 2017.

Did Patrick Adams and Meghan Markle date?

The pair’s chemistry on the show had fans hooked, so it’s no surprise there was speculation of an off-screen romance.

However, when asked about the prospect of dating by Larry King both said no as Patrick explained: ‘That would never work’

The pair went on to explain that their romantic chemistry on screen came from the friendly familiarity of working together for so many years.

When news of Meghan’s engagement to Prince Harry broke, Patrick jokingly tweeted: ‘She said she was just goin out to get some milk…’

He then added: ‘Playing Meghan’s television partner for the better part of a decade uniquely qualifies me to say this: Your Royal Highness, you are a lucky man and I know your long life together will be joyful, productive and hilarious. Meghan, so happy for you, friend. Much love.’

A few years before Suits, Patrick started dating his Equivocation co-star, Troian Bellisario. The pair tied the knot in 2016.

Did Patrick Adams attend the royal wedding?

Yep, Patrick and his wife Troian Bellisario were guest at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding in 2018.

The couple flew to London to attend alongside other Suits cast and crew members such as Rick Hoffman, Vanessa Ray, Gina Torres, and Gabriel Macht.

Meghan had been unable to attend Patrick’s wedding in 2016 because the pair reportedly agreed that her relationship with Prince Harry meant her appearance might have taken away attention on his big day.

What did Patrick Adams say about Meghan Markle bullying claims?

Days before Meghan’s Oprah interview aired, Patrick tweeted: ‘Meghan Markle and I spent the better part of a decade working together on Suits. From day one she was an enthusiastic, kind, cooperative, giving, joyful and supportive member of our television family. She remained that person and colleague as fame, prestige and power accrued.

‘She has always been a powerful woman with a deep sense of morality and a fierce work ethic and has never been afraid to speak up, be heard and defend herself and those she holds dear. Like the rest of the world, I have watched her navigate the last few years in astonishment.

‘She fell in love, moved to a new country, became a household name across the entire globe and began the difficult work of trying to find her place in a family dynamic that can at best be described as complicated and at worst, seemingly archaic and toxic.

‘It sickened me to read the endless racist, slanderous, clickbaiting vitriol spewed in her direction from all manner of media across the UK and the world but I also knew that Meghan was stronger than people realized or understood and they would regret underestimating her.

‘And then they welcomed Archie. And on any sort of decent planet that would be a time to stop sharpening the knives and let these two people enjoy the magical early months and years of starting a family. But we don’t live on that planet and instead the hunt continued.’

Patrick, 39, added: ‘It’s OBSCENE that the Royal Family, who’s newest member is currently GROWING INSIDE OF HER, is promoting and amplifying accusations of “bullying” against a woman who herself was basically forced to flea the UK in order protect her family and her own mental health [sic].

‘IMO, this newest chapter and it’s timing is just another stunning example of the shamelessness of a institution that has outlived its relevance, is way overdrawn on credibility and apparently bankrupt of decency [sic].

‘Find someone else to admonish, berate and torment. My friend Meghan is way out of your league.’

Following the release of the teaser clips for her upcoming Oprah interview, Meghan was accused of ‘bullying’ royal staff, with a report claiming she humiliated staff, driving out two of her personal assistants and undermining the confidence of a third.

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