The reason why Rory McIlroy dumped a bucket of water over a Royal Family member

Rory McIlroy casts doubt on LIV's future after Koepka debacle | bunkered.co.uk

Rory McIlroy is golfing royalty.

He became one of only six players to win all four golf majors by winning The Masters in 2025, joining the likes of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus. Rory McIlroy then led Team Europe to an away Ryder Cup victory in New York during an incredible year for the Northern Irishman.

Because of those achievements, McIlroy was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2025. He went from golfing great to golfing icon.

However, McIlroy hasn’t yet received a decoration from the Royal Family in the UK Honors system, and his interaction with a member of the family might make it less likely that he’ll become Sir Rory McIlroy one day.

The Open 2025: Rory McIlroy 'got everything I wanted but the Claret Jug' on Royal Portrush return - BBC Sport

Rory McIlroy dumped ice water over Meghan Markle

McIlroy and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex and wife to Prince Harry, have a budding friendship that dates back to 2014, when McIlroy was world number one, and Markle was starring in the TV show “Suits”.

Their friendship was such that Markle trusted McIlroy with pouring ice water over her head for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

McIlroy was the one to publicly nominate Markle. She accepted the challenge under the sole condition that the Northern Irishman came to New York to do it himself!

Markle’s relationship with the Royal Family has soured in recent years after she and Harry made the decision to forgo their royal duties and move to the US.

It’s unlikely that this will have any bearing on McIlroy’s chances of a knighthood in the future. He’ll certainly hope so, at least!

Rory McIlroy’s ‘hectic’ night out with Meghan Markle ruined his golf tournament

In a book published in 2022 called “Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors”, Tom Bower wrote that McIlroy and Markle enjoyed a hectic night out which affected a tournament McIlroy was playing in.

Bower said this happened after the Ice Bucket Challenge video was filmed. He wrote, “After the video was posted, the two went to the Fitzpatrick hotel for a drink.

“The following morning, McIlroy arrived at the Ringwood golf course to play in a new competition. Worse for wear after a hectic night, he fell back to 101st place.

“His performance suffered. ‘I wasn’t quite on my game,’ he confessed. ‘I was enjoying myself’.”

It’s unlikely that McIlroy had a similar night before he won The Masters last year!