Meghan Markle’s anniversary celebration with Prince Harry unexpectedly turned into a major moment for Paula Abdul.
The pop icon revealed she was stunned to discover the Duchess of Sussex had chosen one of her classic songs for a heartfelt social media tribute marking eight years of marriage.
The sweet post, featuring never-before-seen wedding photos and family moments with Archie and Lilibet, quickly caught Abdul’s attention, leaving the singer emotional over the royal shoutout and eager to personally thank Meghan afterward.
Abdul revealed she was completely caught off guard after Meghan Markle featured her hit song during a recent Instagram tribute celebrating eight years of marriage to Prince Harry.
The “Forever Your Girl” singer spoke about the moment while attending the 2026 American Music Awards on May 25, admitting the unexpected gesture meant a lot to her.
“I was in shock and I was so touched,” Paula told E! News. The music icon explained that moments like that still felt special to her despite decades in the entertainment industry.
“I never take anything for granted with my career, I never have,” she said, adding, “And so, I’m always humbled to have little gems like that appear in my life. It’s very touching.”
Abdul also noted that after seeing the post, she personally reached out to Meghan to show gratitude.
“I just texted her back, saying, ‘What beautiful pictures and thank you so much for using my song,’” the 63-year-old explained.
Besides speaking about the major moment at the AMAs, Paula Abdul also took to social media to express her shock and excitement.
As The Blast reported, the singer took to her Instagram story to repost Meghan Markle’s post. She added a caption, revealing that the song was the perfect choice for the celebration and wishing the couple a happy anniversary.
“So sweet to hear ‘Forever Your Girl’ over these beautiful memories. Wishing you both continued love, laughter, and a very Happy Anniversary! XoP,” Abdul wrote.
Meghan used Abdul’s music while sharing a collection of never-before-seen images from her May 2019 wedding to Harry.
“Eight years ago today,” the Duchess wrote alongside the anniversary tribute.
Meghan Shared Rare Family Moments With Prince Harry And Their Children
The anniversary celebration also included a sweet family moment involving the couple’s children, Archie and Lilibet.
One of the carousels featured black-and-white photos of Meghan and Harry sharing quiet moments in the cloisters of St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, where they said, “I do.”
Another slide showed Archie and Lilibet joining the festivities as they watched Prince Harry surprise Meghan with a special cake.
The intimate post offered another glimpse into the family’s private life, which Meghan and Harry usually keep away from the public eye.
Just days before celebrating their anniversary, the family also marked Archie’s birthday.
“7 years later. Happy birthday to our sweet boy,” Meghan wrote on Instagram.
Meghan Markle Previously Opened Up About Parenting And Self-Grace
Although Meghan and Harry have become more selective about sharing family content publicly, the mom of two has occasionally opened up about motherhood and raising young children while balancing work responsibilities.
The former “Suits” actress reflected on parenting during an interview for Harper’s Bazaar’s November 2025 issue. “I’m a mom with kids at that age where they are constantly learning something new,” Meghan explained.
She compared encouraging her children through difficult moments to showing herself patience as a businesswoman and founder.
Meghan continued discussing how parenting has changed her perspective, especially when it comes to handling challenges and mistakes.
“I watch them face things that feel completely insurmountable every day,” she shared, adding, “But you can remember and say, ‘I know it seems really hard right now, but trust me, that’s going to come so easily soon.’”
The 44-year-old explained that she tried to apply the same mindset to her own life and business projects.
“I can give myself the same grace as a founder. There’s no such thing as perfect. I, too, get to make mistakes,” Meghan said.
Meghan Markle Reportedly Carrying Financial Load As Harry’s Deals Slow Down
Although Meghan and Harry appear to have everything going on well, sources claim the pair are not doing so well financially.
According to a recent report from The Blast, insiders claimed “cash flow, or lack of it, is a major concern” for the couple despite their multimillionaire status.
Sources alleged their California lifestyle now costs roughly $6 million annually, with nearly half reportedly going toward private security for Harry, Meghan, Prince Archie, and Princess Lilibet.
Their expenses also allegedly include mortgage payments on their Montecito mansion, staff salaries, travel costs, and ongoing legal bills.
The report further claimed Meghan has effectively become the family’s “breadwinner” as Harry struggles to secure the same level of lucrative deals he once commanded after stepping back from royal duties.
Insiders alleged that Harry’s speaking fees have dropped from around $1 million to about $50,000 per appearance, while Netflix downgraded the couple’s deal to a “first look” arrangement and Spotify ended its partnership entirely.
According to sources, Meghan has been “working her socks off” on her As Ever brand and other ventures to keep finances steady because Harry is reportedly reluctant to dip further into inheritance money left by Princess Diana and the Queen Mother.