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Watch Kerry Washington React to Meghan Markle Saying She’s Her Talent Crush (Exclusive)

By Rachel McRady‍
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Olivia Pope has inspired a future duchess!

Kerry Washington and the cast of Scandal celebrated their beloved show’s series finale, and in turn supported the Actors Fund, while at the El Capitan Theater in Los Angeles, California, on Thursday night. Washington, who portrayed leading lady Olivia Pope on the ABC drama, spoke with ET’s Leanne Aguilera about one of her most famous fans, Meghan Markle.

Two years ago, Prince Harry's fiancee told ET that her ultimate celebrity talent crush was the 41-year-old actress, and we had to share the news with Washington.

“That’s amazing!” she said in response before gushing over Markle. “She’s so beautiful and so talented, and I’m so very happy for her. I’m thrilled for the opportunities that lay ahead for her.”

Washington, who’s been married to football player Nnamdi Asomugha since 2013, added, “I’m so happy for her because marriage rocks, so welcome to the club, girl!”

As for whether Washington will be waking up early to watch the May 19 royal wedding, she confessed, "Probably. I remember when my mom woke me up as a bitty girl to watch Princess Diana get married. So, I probably will tune in.”

This picture was taken when we completed filming our very final scene in the Oval Office set. So many of @scandalabc’s most iconic scenes happened in that Oval. It has been, in many ways, the center of our #Scandal universe. Other sets were already being dismantled and we knew this one would be next. So, before saying good-bye, I stretched out on that gorgeous rug and tried to just take it all in. Swipe! Soon after, a few beloved crew members joined. Because... why not? LOL. Tomorrow morning I will wake up and begin to try to process the magical dream of the past seven seasons. I imagine it will take some time to really understand what just transpired in my life. But, this much, I know... I am filled with endless gratitude for our #Scandal Family. Our glorious cast & crew and our community of #Gladiators. TOGETHER, we have changed history. Transformed television. And illuminated each other’s lives. Thank you for watching. And tweeting. And being with us!!!! With love & gratitude, My very best - Kerry

A post shared by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on

Washington also opened up about struggling to say goodbye to Olivia Pope and the gladiators on Scandal. “At the table read of the finale script, they actually had tissues all along the table because they knew that everyone would be crying and we were," she recalled. "Those tissues got used!”

I love my #Scandal Sisters. #Scandal family is real. #TheFinalScandal

A post shared by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on

The leading lady will especially miss the sisterhood she’s created on the show alongside co-stars Bellamy Young, Darby Stanchfield and Katie Lowes.

“I cannot tell you how magical it’s been for me at this point in my life,” she said of their friendship. “I’ve always been an only child and now I have sisters. It’s very special.”

Washington went on to touch on the legacy that she hopes Scandal will leave behind. “I hope that we are remembered for being courageous and bold and kind to each other,” she said.

For more on the series finale, watch the clip below!

And be sure to keep up with all of ET's coverage of the royal wedding right here as we count down to May 19!

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