The life of Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, has been marked by relentless public scrutiny.
Her past relationships often become the center of intense speculation and controversy. While her fairy tale romance with Prince Harry has captivated the world, details of her previous marriage to film producer Trevor Engelson have been cloaked in whispers and allegations of infidelity. These rumors, though unproven, have painted a picture of a woman with a penchant for hockey players and a tendency to break hearts, contributing to a narrative that has followed her rise to fame.
One of the most discussed alleged affairs involves Peter Holland, a Canadian ice hockey player. Social media posts from 2013 and 2014 reveal a flirty exchange between the two, with Holland even offering to pick Markle up at the airport. In November 2013, Holland tweeted, seemingly referencing a conversation with Markle, "Part of me wants to unfollow you now because I found out that you're married. No more of this one in a million talk." The following year, in November 2014, Markle tweeted, "So @AirCanada I thought we were friends but you're killing me today. Need to shoot at Suits at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow. How much longer? Help!" Holland responded, "I'll pick you up at the airport if that'll make you travel a little bit easier. When do you get there?" Although Markle's response to Holland's offer is unavailable, he later tweeted, "All right, I'll just come and pick you up. Too high maintenance." This seemingly alluded to a meeting between the two, with Holland referring to Markle as a diva. The nature of their interactions sparked intense speculation about their relationship.
The term "puck bunny," often used to describe women who are primarily interested in hockey players for their attractiveness rather than the sport itself, was quickly attached to Markle. This label, fueled by the alleged affair with Holland, suggested that she may have been involved with multiple players during her marriage. The rumors, amplified by social media and the insatiable appetite for celebrity gossip, painted a picture of a woman more interested in the glamour of dating hockey stars than the sport itself.
Another alleged affair involves Michael Del Zotto, a former NHL player. Markle and Del Zotto were seen together on multiple occasions, and she even posted pictures of them on social media. In April 2013, Markle was seen visiting Del Zotto in New York and posted pictures of them together on social media. Markle divorced Trevor Engelson in August 2013, citing irreconcilable differences. While Markle claims that her relationship with Del Zotto was purely platonic, sources close to Trevor Engelson alleged that he was devastated by the split and that Markle's relationship with Del Zotto was more than just friendship.
These allegations, while never definitively proven, have contributed to a narrative surrounding Markle's character and her choices in relationships. The term "puck bunny" has stuck with her even as she has moved on to a new life with Prince Harry. Some view the accusations as a smear campaign, a way to discredit her and undermine her image. Others see them as evidence of a pattern of behavior, a woman willing to engage in infidelity during her marriage. Regardless of the truth, the allegations have cast a shadow over Markle's marriage to Trevor Engelson and have contributed to the ongoing controversy surrounding her life and career.
The accusations have become part of her public persona, a constant reminder of the scrutiny she faces even as she embraces her role as Duchess of Sussex. The whispers of her past continue to follow her, a testament to the enduring power of rumors and the difficulty of escaping the scrutiny of public life.
