Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Were Meant to Be! See the Couple’s Relationship Timeline

July 2016

Meghan and Harry’s romance was sparked after a mutual friend set the two up on a blind date. “I was beautifully surprised when I walked into that room and saw her,” Harry told the BBC of his first impression of his now-wife. “I was like, I’m really going to have to up my game here.” They must have hit it off considering just a few weeks later, Meg and Harry took a trip to Botswana together.

October 2016

Just three months following their supposed first date, The Sunday Express reported that the couple was officially an item. “The romance is in its early stages, but it’s no exaggeration to say he’s besotted with her,” a source told the U.K. tabloid.

November 2016

It’s officially official! Kensington Palace confirmed Harry and Meghan’s relationship in a statement to the public. However, it wasn’t a very happy message considering the red-haired royal slammed the press’ harassment towards his new girlfriend. “Some of this has been very public — the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and Web article comments,” the statement read. “Some of it has been hidden from the public—the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriends; the bombardment of nearly every friend, coworker and loved one in her life.”

December 2016

Meg and Harry were finally spotted together! The Sun published photos of the newly-minted couple holding hands in London. The lovebirds reportedly went to see a play and enjoyed a nice walk while surrounded by tons of Christmas decorations. So romantic!

February 2017

The couple’s relationship started heating up as they were spotted out and about on another date night in London. Onlookers pointed out that Meg and Harry were adorably holding hands as they left the Soho House — the same restaurant where they first met. “They were out with a couple of friends and enjoyed drinks and food,” an insider told Us Weekly at the time. “They were sat in one of the cozier areas of the first floor, and Harry had two protection officers present, but you wouldn’t really notice them if you weren’t paying close attention.”

March 2017

Harry and Meghan took a trip to Jamaica to celebrate the wedding of the duke’s close friend Tom “Skipp” Inskip. The couple apparently stayed at The Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay, which is one of the country’s most exclusive properties. Wow!

April 2017

Meghan said goodbye to her beloved lifestyle blog, The Tig. “After close to three beautiful years on this adventure with you, it’s time to say goodbye to The Tig,” the former Suits actress wrote in the final post before shutting the site down. “What began as a passion project (my little engine that could) evolved into an amazing community of inspiration, support, fun, and frivolity. You’ve made my days brighter and filled this experience with so much joy.” We miss it so much!

May 2017

Meghan sneakily attended Pippa Middleton‘s wedding reception. The brunette beauty wasn’t invited to the ceremony, but later joined her royal beau. At the event, it was reported that Harry had asked — and received — permission from Queen Elizabeth to ask for Meghan’s hand in marriage.

August 2017

Meg and Harry jetted off to Africa for a romantic rendezvous as engagement rumors were in full swing. The pair enjoyed their time together and even capped off their trip with a visit to Victoria Falls.

September 2017

Meghan poses for the cover of Vanity Fair. In the month’s issue, the Horrible Bosses actress opened up for the first time about her relationship with her literal Prince Charming. “We’re a couple. We’re in love,” she told the magazine. “I’m sure there will be a time when we have to come forward and present ourselves, and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.”

September 2017

Meg and Harry make their first official appearance together at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. At the beginning of the ceremony, the duo sat several rows from each other. Later, they packed on the PDA as they couldn’t keep their hands off each other while sitting front row at a wheelchair tennis match.

November 2017

It’s getting real! Meghan said goodbye to Suits and flew to London to go live with her royal beau in Kensington Palace. After a few days of constant speculation, the couple finally announced their engagement.

December 2017

Harry and Meg attend their first official royal event as an engaged couple together in Nottingham. The duo met with fans and paid a visit to a contemporary art center where they honored World Aids Day. “Prince Harry has been to Nottingham many times before and is delighted to be introducing the city to Ms. Markle,” Kensington Palace wrote on Twitter.

March 2018

Details about the couple’s upcoming royal wedding began to emerge — like their lemon elderflower wedding cake flavor, their London stationer Barnard & Westwood invitations and the guest list with more than 2,000 names on it. Elizabeth also formally gave the couple her blessing for their marriage — a requirement of the Royal Marriages Act 1772.

May 2018

Meghan and Harry tied the knot! The world watched as the couple got married at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The stunning bride donned a classic white Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy gown. Following their royal nuptials, Meg and Harry took a romantic carriage ride through the town streets.

June 2018

Honeymoon time! The newlyweds said goodbye to Kensington Palace for a little while as they headed off to a romance-filled vacation — the location of which is still unknown. Their honeymoon kicked off their jet-setting summer, which included a reported trip to George Clooney and Amal Clooney‘s Lake Como Villa. So cool!

October 2018

Meg and Harry have big news! After much speculation following Princess Eugenie‘s wedding, the royal couple announced that Meghan was pregnant. “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019. Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public,” the message read.

October 2018

Following their pregnancy announcement, Meg and Harry set off on their 16-day whirlwind tour of Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji. The world couldn’t help but gush over the soon-to-be mama’s good news!

November 2018

Bye, bye Kensington Palace! The royal family announced that Meghan and Harry will officially move into Frogmore Cottage, a house on the grounds of Windsor Castle. “Windsor is a very special place for their royal highnesses and they are grateful that their official residence will be on the estate,” a statement read.

March 2019

Buckingham Palace announced that Harry and Meghan will no longer operate under the same organizational umbrella as Prince William and Kate Middleton. “The Queen has agreed to the creation of a new Household for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, following their marriage in May last year,” the statement read. “The Household, which will be created with the support of The Queen and The Prince of Wales, will be established in the spring.”

March 2019

Meghan made a surprise trip across the pond to New York City for a lavish baby shower. According to Hello!, the former actress joined around 15 guests — including Serena Williams, Amal and Jessica Mulroney — at the event which was held at The Mark Hotel in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood.

May 2019

Oh baby! Meghan and Harry add a new title to their resumes: parents! The royal couple announced the birth of their first child, son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. “We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on May 6th, 2019. Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz,” the official statement read.

January 2020

After almost a year of public scrutiny, Harry and Meghan announced they were officially stepping back as senior members of the royal family. The couple revealed their bombshell news in a lengthy statement shared to their Instagram.

“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” they announced in the lengthy caption. “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”

They continued, “It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honor our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”

Since sharing their plans to split time between the U.K. and North America, among other controversial changes, Meghan and Archie have been spending some well-deserved R&R at a gorgeous home in the Canadian island town called Vancouver Island. Following his first public engagement since their royal relinquishment — in which Harry defended their choice, yet revealed it still brings him “great sadness” — the beloved duke arrived in Canada.

Harry was all smiles as he touched down in Canada on January 8. The red-haired hunk looked happier than ever as he couldn’t wait to reunite with his wife and son.

Although royal fans are heartbroken regarding Meg and Harry’s choice, sources told Closer Weekly that the duchess’ mom, Doria Ragland, couldn’t wait to have her daughter home more often. “Doria knows Meghan has been miserable in London for a long time and wants what’s best for her — even if it means going against Royal rules,” the insider exclusively shared. “She’s happy that Meghan’s moving closer to home and the fact they’ll be able to spend more time together.”

January 2020

Shortly after announcing their decision to step back as senior members of the royal family, Harry and Meghan relocated their family to Canada. The couple packed their bags and moved with Archie from London to a quaint town called Vancouver Island.

“[Harry] finally feels at peace and has never been happier — and the same goes for Meghan,” a source told Closer of the pair’s choice to move to North America. “Being in the middle of nowhere surrounded by a beautiful landscape is heaven. That’s what Harry says.”

Being so close to Meg’s mom, Doria, in L.A., is also a huge perk of moving to Canada. “They feel settled there,” an insider told Life&Style in late January. “And it’s also a short flight to [Meghan’s hometown of] L.A., where they plan to split their time in the coming years.”

March 2020

Meghan and Harry stepped out for their final royal appearance. The pair joined William, Kate, Charles, Camilla and other family members for the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.

The Sussex duo’s outing at the church came days after they returned to the U.K. from Canada to kick off their farewell tour. They attended the Endeavour Fund Awards in London in early March, as well as the Mountbatten Festival of Music.

Considering Harry and Meghan left Archie in Canada, the parents couldn’t wait to get home.  “Harry and Meghan hate being apart from Archie,” an insider told Closer at the time. “[Their baby boy] has already taken his first steps, and Harry and Meghan hate the idea of missing any new milestones while they’re in the U.K. They’ve been FaceTiming him every day to check-in and see his face!”

March 2020

Meghan and Harry moved to L.A.! Just two months after heading to Canada, a source exclusively told Closer that the royal pair were “happily settled” in California. “They didn’t bring many belongings with them,” the insider shared in early April, noting “it only took a couple of days to unpack.”

Considering they made the move with son Archie amid the coronavirus pandemic, a previous source told Closer that the royal duo were getting their new home prepared in every way for their adorable tot.

“They’re living in self-isolation in a $15 million gated mansion,” the insider dished.  “They’ve made sure it’s baby-proof — especially the pool, because Archie just started walking.”

May 2020

Harry and Meghan celebrated baby Archie’s first birthday! The couple shared a video of Meghan reading to her son on Instagram and then they threw him a party before the day was over. An insider told Closer that the two lovebirds were planning to go “all out” for their little bundle of joy.

August 2020

Meghan and Harry relocated to Santa Barbara in August. The twosome purchased a nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom mansion in the Montecito neighborhood for $14.65 million, the Daily Mail reported. The property sits on 5.4 acres and includes a luxurious pool, playground area for Archie and much more.

Despite how large the estate is, Meg and Harry’s home has a cozy vibe. “Archie’s playroom [has] big windows, but it isn’t ostentatious like many celebrity playrooms,” an insider told Closer. “Harry and Meghan want to keep Archie grounded.”

December 2020

The lovebirds celebrated their first Christmas at their new home in Montecito! Meghan and Harry hosted their own celebration instead of attending Queen Elizabeth‘s annual bash at Sandringham, which was actually canceled amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. They were joined by their son, Archie, and the Hollywood alum’s mom, Doria.

“Harry and Meghan plan to spend Christmas in Montecito with Doria,” a separate source told Closer. “Meghan’s already thinking about the Christmas decorations and is excited to be spending her first Christmas at their new home.”

February 2021

Their family is growing! Meg and Harry announced her pregnancy with their second child on Valentine’s Day in February 2021. In a black and white photo taken by the actress’ friend and longtime photographer Misan Harriman, the royal lovebirds gazed into each other eyes while laying in the grass. Meg’s growing baby bump was on full display as she donned a white dress.

Shortly after, a spokesman for Meg and Harry told Us Weekly the pair were expecting baby No. 2. “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother,” the statement read. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.”

The duke and former duchess were looking forward to expanding their family, but Meg’s mom, Doria Ragland, “couldn’t be happier” too, an insider told Closer shortly after the big reveal. “Archie adores Doria. They’re super close and she’ll without a doubt have the same loving grandmother/grandchild relationship with baby No. 2!”

February 2021

Harry and Meghan announced they “will not be returning as working members of the royal family.” In a statement, Buckingham Palace revealed the couple is “stepping away from the work of the royal family” following conversations with the queen.

“The duke and duchess have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the royal family,” the statement read. “The honorary military appointments and royal patronages held by the duke and duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty before being redistributed among working members of the royal family.”

The duo also released their own statement. A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan proclaimed, “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented regardless of official role. We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

In a statement from the queen, Elizabeth noted she was “saddened by their decision,” but would always support her grandson and his wife. “The duke and duchess remain much-loved members of the family,” she said.

March 2021

Less than one month after sharing the news of their pregnancy with baby No. 2, Meghan and Harry revealed they were welcoming a baby girl. The couple surprised the world when they announced the sex of their second child during their interview on CBS in March.

“It’s a girl!” the proud prince marveled, adding he was so “grateful” and amazed to be having a daughter. “Like to have any child, any one or any two would have been amazing. But to have a boy and then a girl, what more could you ask for?” he sweetly continued. “We got our family — the four of us and our two dogs, it’s great.”

June 2021

The proud parents welcomed their daughter to the world. A spokesperson for the couple revealed that “both mother and child are healthy and well, and settling in at home” after the baby’s smooth delivery “in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California.”

June 2022

Meghan and Prince Harry adoringly held hands while leaving the National Service of Thanksgiving at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral during a rare visit to England to celebrate his grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.

December 2022

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed that they would be sharing even more of their life in the documentary Harry & Meghan, which was directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Liz Garbus.

“When the stakes are this high, doesn’t it make more sense to hear our story from us?” Meghan said in the promo.

January 2023

In his Spare memoir, Harry alleged that he and brother Prince William were involved in a physical altercation over Meghan.
Harry claimed that William “grabbed [him] by the collar, ripping [his] necklace and … knocked [him] to the floor” during the alleged altercation, which took place in 2019. William also allegedly called Meghan “difficult,” “rude” and “abrasive.” 

March 2023

The couple confirmed that they were invited to King Charles’ coronation. 

“I can confirm The Duke has recently received email correspondence from His Majesty’s office regarding the coronation,” a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan told Us Weekly. “An immediate decision on whether The Duke and Duchess will attend will not be disclosed by us at this time.”

April 2023

After months of speculation, the palace announced that Prince Harry would be attending the coronation of King Charles III, but Meghan will not be joining him. 

“Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that The Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May,” the institution announced in a statement on April 12, 2023. “The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.”

September 2023

A united front! Months after Harry attended Charles’ coronation solo, the couple appeared at the swimming medal ceremony during the Invictus Games in Germany.

July 2024

Megan made a surprise appearance at the 2024 ESPY Awards, where she watched her husband receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service. Serena Williams, who hosted the event, gave a shout-out to the couple in her opening monologue.

“It’s, well, actually only pretty often that I get to be in a room with actual royalty, and tonight is no exception,” the tennis star said. “Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let’s give it up for them.”

“But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight,” Serena joked. “Because this is my night, and I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen, OK?”

Megan shined in a gorgeous white gown while her hubby donned a black suit for the event.