Couple claim Meghan Markle took their photo on New Year's Day hike

A couple enjoying a New Year’s Day hike were left in shock after a chance encounter with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

Iliya Pavlovic and Asymina Kantorowicz were trying to take photos of themselves with a selfie stick in front of stunning scenery during a walk on Vancouver Island in Canada when a woman approached them who later turned out to be the Duchess of Sussex.

“She starts asking if we want her to take a photo for us,” the TV producer told CTV News.

“We said sure. I didn't see who she was at that time.”

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Asymina - who had just finished enjoying a picnic in Horth Hill Regional Park on Wednesday afternoon with her partner - also noticed Meghan, 38, had walked over from a group who had two dogs with them.

She recognised one member as Suits actress Abigail Spencer - and it was only then that she realised the woman’s more famous former co-star and close royal friend was also present and had been the one to take their photo.

“I froze up. I actually couldn’t believe who it was,” the walker recalled.

“Then I looked over to the side and that’s when I realised Prince Harry was standing there.

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“I kept looking back and forth like, 'Is this actually happening?'"

After accepting Meghan’s offer, Asymina admitted all she could think to say was “there's only so much that selfie sticks can do”.

With a laugh, the Duchess replied “we'll have to do better”, and Harry, 35, joked, “no pressure”.

In total the mum of baby Archie took three shots before handing their phone back and saying “Happy New Year”.

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The group then continued on their way, leaving the couple in disbelief at how “super friendly” they had been and wondering if it had been a “dream”.

Afterwards, they both called up their mums to tell them what had happened.

It comes as it was revealed that Meghan and Harry - who have been staying on Vancouver Island over the festive period with their baby son Archie - have been spotted hiking and jogging in the local area.

According to the Vancouver Sun, they have made several hikes up Horth Hill Regional Park.

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The 29-hectare green space is a popular local beauty spot with numerous scenic trails.

They have also be seen jogging in nearby town, North Saanich, report the paper.

The Daily Mail have reported that the couple spent Archie’s first Christmas in a £10.7m waterfront mansion.

As well four acres of land, the eight-bedroom property is also believed to have two private beaches.

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