Meghan Markle was reportedly on the prowl for a British husband long before she met Prince Harry, according to an old friend of hers.

The British radio personality Lizzie Cundy is speaking out this week to claim that she tried to set Meghan up with the British soccer star Ashley Cole back in 2013. Unfortunately for Meghan, however, Cole was not interested.

“Meghan said she loved London, and would love an English boyfriend, so I went through my phone to see who I knew that might be a good fit,” Cundy told Grazia. “I tried to find her a boyfriend – Ashley Cole wasn’t so keen – but I did try to fix her up, which is funny looking back.”

Cole is viewed as one of the best best left-backs of his generation, playing for Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal before retiring to coach and work as a commentator for the sport. Though Cole was not interested in Meghan, Cundy went on to say that she can see why Harry would become smitten with the former “Suits” actress, whom she met at a party in 2013.

“She was a real girl’s girl: full of energy,” Cundy said. “She didn’t stop talking, and we had a big giggle. There was just something special about her. We just got on, and immediately swapped numbers. I looked at her and thought ‘you have something special.’ She makes you feel at home straight away and it felt like I’d known her all my life. I can see why Harry fell in love with her.”

Cundy explained that Meghan cut off contact with her after she married Harry.

“When she first got together with Harry, I texted her to say how amazing it was and she did reply,” the radio personality said. “But once the ring was on the finger, I soon realized she was off Twitter and that her number wasn’t working. And that was it. I’m afraid both Piers Morgan and I got ghosted.”

“People ask If I’m upset to go from friendship to silence, but I understand. It’s a different world going from celebrity to royalty, and a whole different life. So I get it. I wasn’t in any way upset,” Cundy continued. “She wanted fame and she was open about that. She has that sparkle, that magic. But I don’t think she knew how hard it was going to be. I think she thought it would be more glamorous, but fame is hard work. Personally I don’t think they’ve gone around things the right way, but if I saw her today, I’d give her a big hug. I’m happy that they’re happy.”