ONE of Prince Harry’s oldest friends is thought to be the mystery matchmaker who set the royal up with bride-to-be Meghan Markle.

The engaged pair, who will wed at the historic Windsor Castle next May, credit the beginnings of their fairytale love to an unidentified mutual friend.

Ms Markle and Ms von Westenholz enjoying a chat at Wimbledon in 2016Credit: Rex Features
But all signs point to that pal being Violet von Westenholz, one of Prince Harry’s oldest family friends, whose father is a former Olympic skier and close friend of the Prince of Wales.

The 33-year-old’s meetings with Ms Markle, 36, suggest a close friendship blossoming at the same time as the critical first date in July last year.

At the same time as Prince Harry, 33, was trying to “make sure I’ve got good chat” in his first two rendezvous with the Suits actress, Ms von Westenholz had an opportunity to big up her childhood friend while working with Ms Markle.

The public relations director for Ralph Laurel fashion label had dressed her friend on a press day for Suits, with the actress posting a stylish snap on Instagram on June 30 with the caption: “Thanks Violet von Westenholz”.

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Ms Markle was dressed by Violet von Westenholz for her press event on June 30 last year, writing: ‘Thanks Violet von Westenholz’Credit: Instagram
Loved-up Instagram photos in the week following the shoot suggest an intertwining of their fates, as Ms Markle posted tantalising pictures of the successful wooing by the Prince with pictures of heart-shaped matches, stunning bouquets and “Kiss me” love hearts.

The pair have confirmed their two dates took place in London before a secret holiday in Botswana, where Prince Harry was working, in a BBC interview following the announcement of the engagement on Monday.

In the same televised appearance they explain how they were introduced by a mutual female friend on a blind date, whose identity they would not reveal.

But the timeline suggests the aristocratic 33-year-old’s matchmaking influence. At the time of the loved-up posts, Miss Westenholz was once again shown to exert an influence on Ms Markle with a press trip to Wimbledon courtesy of Ralph Lauren, which designed the outfits for the umpires, line judges and ball girls and boys at the tournament.

Ms Markle at Wimbledon with Sadie Mantovani, Violet Von Westenholz and Olivia BuckinghamCredit: Instagram
The American, who will seek to gain British citizenship after marrying the Prince, was wowed by the lawn tennis tournament, posting on Instagram a selfie of the smiling friends on July 4 with the caption: “How much more could I adore this gem thank you Violet von Westenholz”.

Yesterday, Miss Westenholz did not deny that she had been responsible for setting up their first date.

She told the Daily Telegraph: “I might leave that for other people to say [who it is].

“It’s a great story and I am sure they are going to be very happy together. I am just happy they are really happy. They are great together.”

The royal Cilla Black may be keeping a low profile for now. But whoever was responsible for shooting this arrow of love can be happy with their smitten targets – and hold out, perhaps, for an invite to 2018’s wedding of the year.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak about how they met in a BBC interview after announcing their engagementCredit: BBC