Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: A Timeline of Their Relationship

Credit: Alexi Lubomirski

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: A Timeline of Their Relationship

A royal affair! Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship has been on the world’s radar ever since news broke in 2016 that they were dating. The pair were introduced through mutual friends that July. One year after their first encounter, the Suits alum addressed the pair’s courtship for the first time. “We’re a couple. We’re in love,” she gushed to Vanity Fair at the time. “I’m sure there will be a time when we will 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.” Harry and Meghan announced their engagement in November 2017. After tying the knot in May 2018 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, England, the queen gave them the additional title of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The couple welcomed their son, Archie, the same month they celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary. The pair have been able to spend more time with their little one while quarantining amid the coronavirus pandemic. [jwplayer Q2b41YlM-zhNYySv2] “We were both there for his first steps, his first run, his first fall, his first everything,” Harry said during a conversation on International Day of the Girl in October 2020, while Meghan added, “I think it’s just fantastic, because I think in so many ways, we are fortunate to be able to have this time to watch him grow. And in the absence of COVID, we would be traveling and working more externally, and we’d miss a lot of those moments. So I think it’s been a lot of really good family time.” Harry and Meghan announced in February 2021 that they were expecting their second child together. The happy news came after the California native suffered a miscarriage in July 2020. She gave birth to daughter Lilibet in June 2021. They have remained by each other’s side through thick and thin. As the former Tig blogger continued to be targeted British tabloids, Harry spoke out how he has a responsibility to shield her and their son, Archie, from harm’s way. “I will always protect my family, and now I have a family to protect,” he said in ITV’s Harry & Meghan: An African Journey documentary in October 2019. “I will not be bullied into a game that was responsible for killing my mother [Princess Diana]. So everything that she went through and what happened to her is incredibly important every single day. And that is not me being paranoid, that is just me not wanting a repeat of the past.” Harry and Meghan announced their step back as senior members of the royal family in January 2020 with plans to work to become financially independent. They left the British Army vet’s native U.K. for California in March 2020. More than one year after their shocking exit, Buckingham Palace confirmed in February 2021 that the duo informed Queen Elizabeth II that their decision to step down as working members of the royal family will be permanent. “While we are all saddened by their decision, the duke and duchess remain much-loved members of the family,” the monarch’s statement read. Scroll down to see a timeline of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s romance so far.

Credit: Getty Images

July 2016

The couple met in London. She told Vanity Fair in September 2017 that they were introduced through mutual friends.

Credit: Ian Gavan/Getty Images

November 2016

The prince confirmed the dating rumors with a public statement condemning sexist and racist trolls who criticized the Suits actress. “It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm,” he said via his communications secretary.

Credit: BACKGRID

October 2016

The first reports about Harry and Meghan's romance began to emerge. A source exclusively told Us Weekly at the time that he “started texting her regularly” in June ahead of their first face-to-face meeting. “Harry loves that she’s so into philanthropy,” the source added. “One of the first things they spoke about was her shelter dogs. He loves that she’s so caring.”

Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage

January 2017

Harry introduced Meghan to his sister-in-law, Duchess Kate, and niece Princess Charlotte at Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace in London. “Meghan’s so happy she’s getting to know more of Harry’s nearest and dearest,” a source told Us at the time. Meghan met Prince William and Prince Charles a few months earlier.

Credit: MEGA

March 2017

The Los Angeles native cheered on her boyfriend at a charity polo match in Ascot, England. The game marked the first time they were spotted together at a public event.

Credit: BACKGRID

May 2017

The couple attended Pippa Middleton and James Matthews’ nuptials in Bucklebury, England. Meghan did not attend the actual wedding ceremony, but Harry made a 100-mile round-trip to pick her up later in the day for the reception.

Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage

August 2017

The former Army helicopter pilot and the actress traveled to Botswana, Africa, to celebrate her 36th birthday and spend time with his friends. “He was thrilled to bits that he could introduce her to them,” a Harry pal exclusively told Us at the time. “The celebration began almost the minute they touched down. … Meghan was speechless and so touched.”

Credit:

September 2017

Meghan broke her silence about her romance with Harry in her cover story for Vanity Fair. “We’re a couple. We’re in love,” she gushed to the magazine. “I’m sure there will be a time when we will 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.”

Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage

September 2017

The pair made their first official joint appearance at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto. They walked hand-in-hand and later attended an event with her mother, Doria Ragland. A source exclusively confirmed to Us that Harry asked Ragland in Toronto for permission to propose to her daughter.

Credit: Luca Teuchmann/WireImage

September 2017

Meghan met Queen Elizabeth II for the first time at the monarch’s summer residence, Balmoral Castle. “It went well,” a source exclusively told Us at the time. “It’ll no doubt be the first of many encounters.”

Credit: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images

November 2017

Palace officials announced Harry and Meghan’s engagement days after she wrapped filming on Suits and moved to London. Clarence House said in a statement that the prince proposed earlier that month. The couple, whose wedding is scheduled for spring 2018, later appeared for a photo call at Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden. Meghan showed off her engagement ring, which Us exclusively revealed features diamonds from a brooch that belonged to Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana.

Credit:

November 2017

After announcing their engagement, the couple sat down with BBC News’ Mishal Husain for their first joint interview. Harry revealed that he proposed at Kensington Palace’s Nottingham Cottage. “It was just an amazing surprise,” Meghan gushed. “It was just so sweet and natural and very romantic. He got on one knee. As a matter of fact, I could barely let [him] finish proposing. I was like, ‘Can I say ‘yes’ now?’”

Credit: Alexi Lubomirski via Getty Images

December 2017

Harry and Meghan released their official engagement photos on December 21. They were taken by fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski at Frogmore House, Windsor.

Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

December 2017

Meghan joined her fiancé and her future in-laws William and Kate at the annual royal Christmas church service at Sandringham on December 25.

Credit: INSTAR Images

May 2018

It’s official! The newly appointed Duke and Duchess of Sussex tied the knot on May 19 at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in England. Thousands of onlookers took to the streets of Windsor to celebrate the happy couple, who exchanged vows in front of 600 invitees. Harry and Meghan continued the festivities at a luncheon hosted by the queen followed by an intimate evening reception at Frogmore House with 200 guests.

Credit: Alexi Lubomirski

May 2018

Harry and Meghan’s first official wedding portraits (taken by photographer Alexi Lubomirski) were released on May 21, two days after they tied the knot. “The duke and duchess would like to thank everyone who took part in the celebrations of their wedding,” read a statement from Kensington Palace. “They feel so lucky to have been able to share their day with all those gathered in Windsor and those who watched on television across the U.K., Commonwealth and around the world.”

Credit: Chris Jackson/Pool/Getty Images

June 2018

Harry and Meghan were ready to start a family sooner than later. “Having children is definitely a priority,” a source close to Meghan told Us at the time. “She and Harry want to start a family right away — and she’ll start trying as soon as she can.” A second royal insider dished, “Harry and Meghan won’t rush into anything. They have a lot on their plate right now. But they both think that when the moment feels right, that will be the time to go for it. They’ll make fantastic parents.”

Credit:

June 2018

After Harry and Meghan jetted off to East Africa for their honeymoon, Us Weekly shared the first exclusive photos of the prince back in London. He was spotted heading to the gym sans wedding ring for a solo workout.

Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage

June 2018

It was announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be taking on their first joint royal tour together in the fall. They were scheduled to travel to Australia, Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga and New Zealand. They also planned to visit Dublin, Ireland, on July 10 and 11. "The Duke and Duchess are looking forward to learning more about Ireland's history and experience its rich culture, as well as meeting the people who are shaping the country's future," Kensington Palace said in a statement.

Credit: Getty Images

August 2018

A source confirmed to Us exclusively that Harry and Meghan spent a long weekend at George and Amal Clooney’s lake house. “George and Amal were so happy to host Meghan and Harry,” the source explained, noting that the duke and duchess met the Clooneys’ twins during their visit. “Harry and George have a special bond and friendship.”

The duo also enjoyed a trip to the Castle of Mey in Caithness, Scotland, with Charles and Duchess Camilla during the summer. “Charles and Camilla care deeply for Harry and Meghan,” an insider told Us. “With all that has been going on with Meghan’s family, they wanted to get them out of the city and to the coast of Scotland.”

Credit: Getty Images

September 2018

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out for multiple charitable date nights in London. They attended the WellChild Awards at The Royal Lancaster Hotel and the 100 Days to Peace Gala at Central Hall Westminster.

Credit: Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images

September 2018

Meghan’s husband and her mother, Doria Ragland, were on hand to support her as she launched Together: Our Community Cookbook. The duke proudly watched while his wife gave her first royal speech, during which she exuded warmth and passion for the project.

Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

October 2018

The couple visited their namesake country, Sussex, together for the first time. While greeting the locals, Meghan and Harry bonded with some dogs who came out for the noteworthy event.

Credit: Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

October 2018

A source revealed exclusively to Us that the royal duo were “trying for a baby,” noting, “They want a big family, at least three kids.”

Credit: John Grainger/Newspix/Getty Images

October 2018

It's official! Kensington Palace confirmed on October 15 that the couple were expecting their first child together. "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," the statement read. "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 news came just days after the former actress covered up her baby bump with a coat as they attended Princess Eugenie's wedding.

Credit: Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment/INSTARimages.com

November 2018

Kensington Palace announced at the end of November that Meghan and Harry would be moving from their home at Nottingham Cottage in London to the two-story Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, England, as they prepare for the arrival of their first child. An insider told Us that the royal pair would be moved in "shortly after the holidays," adding, "There are 10 bedrooms, and the cottage does need some updating and renovations. It’s much bigger than Nottingham cottage, which only had two bedrooms and was very tight."

Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages.com

December 2018

Harry and Meghan kicked off their first holiday season as a married couple by releasing an unseen photo of their nuptials. In the sweet snap, the couple watched fireworks from their wedding reception at Frogmore House.

Credit: Raymond Hall/GC Images

February 2019

While Harry participated in a Street Games “Fit and Fed” school holiday event with local students in south London, his wife celebrated their unborn baby’s arrival with a New York City baby shower on February 20. Gayle King, Amal Clooney and Serena Williams were among the guests at the star-studded party.

The Suits alum was later told that a baby shower is not a normal practice for the royal family. “Meghan is still struggling with the press in London,” a source told Us. “She was made aware that Kensington Palace and the royal family, that’s not the way they do it with a big, flashy baby shower like the one she had in NYC.”

Credit: DOMINIC LIPINSKI/AFP/Getty Images

March 2019

Before their baby’s arrival, the royal couple squeezed in some one-on-one time with a London date night on March 2. The pair watched Tina: The Musical at Aldwych Theatre. “Their visit was private, unexpected and ... they thoroughly enjoyed themselves,” royal correspondent Omid Scobie tweeted.

Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

April 2019

Meghan and Harry joined Instagram on April 2, captioning their first post, “Welcome to our official Instagram; we look forward to sharing the work that drives us, the causes we support, important announcements, and the opportunity to shine a light on key issues. We thank you for your support, and welcome you to @sussexroyal – Harry & Meghan.”

Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage

April 2019

The duke and duchess moved into Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, England, on April 3. “The trucks finished delivering the final furniture and home items on Monday, and [Wednesday] was their first night in the cottage,” a source told Us exclusively. “The cottage is much more private, and they wanted that for the arrival of the baby.”

The insider added: “Now everything is all set up and perfect. Harry and Meghan are very happy with how the cottage turned out. They are looking forward to really starting their lives together on their own.”

Credit: Neil Mockford/GC Images

January 2019

Due date alert! While talking to locals in Birkenhead, England, with her husband on January 14, Meghan said that their baby would arrive in late April or early May.

Credit: Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage/Getty Images

May 2019

Meghan and Harry's family expanded on May 6. "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," the palace said in a statement shortly after the birth. "Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz. The duchess and baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of the public for their shared excitement and support during this very special time in their lives."

Credit: Dominic Lipinski/WPA-Pool/MEGA

May 2019

The new parents introduced their son, Archie Harrison, to the world on May 8 inside Windsor Castle. The duchess wore a white coat dress, while the duke opted for one of his go-to gray suits. “It’s magic. It’s pretty amazing,” Meghan told the press. “I have the two best guys in the world, so I’m really happy.”

Credit: Courtesy of Sussex Royal/Instagram

May 2019

Less than one week after the couple welcomed their son, Meghan and Harry quietly celebrated Mother's Day together at their home with Archie and the former Suits star's mom, Doria Ragland. “It will be a very quiet day full of spending time with family.”

Credit: Ben STANSALL/WPA Pool/Getty Images

May 2019

The couple celebrated a milestone moment in their relationship — their first wedding anniversary! Harry and Meghan shared a video montage of never-before-seen pics from the day they wed at St George's Chapel on May 19, alongside a heartfelt caption on Instagram. "The selected song ‘This Little Light of Mine’ was chosen by the couple for their recessional. We hope you enjoy reliving this moment, and seeing some behind the scenes photos from this special day," they wrote. "Thank you for all of the love and support from so many of you around the world. Each of you made this day even more meaningful."

Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage

June 2019

Meghan reemerged into the royal spotlight with Harry by her side at the annual Trooping the Colour parade on June 8. The outing marked her first public appearance since giving birth to the couple’s first child. Archie, meanwhile, stayed home.

Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage

June 2019

The prince celebrated his first Father’s Day on June 16. He marked the occasion by sharing a new photo of Archie on the pair’s official Instagram account. In the pic, the baby boy sweetly held his dad’s finger. “Wishing a very special first Father’s Day to The Duke of Sussex,” the caption read.

Credit: Sussex Royal/Instagram

June 2019

The twosome announced plans for a royal tour of Southern Africa in the fall with their son in tow. “The Duke and Duchess are really looking forward to meeting so many of you on the ground and continuing to raise awareness of the high impact work local communities are doing across the Commonwealth and beyond,” a June 27 Instagram post read. “This will be their first official tour as a family!”

Credit: Sussex Royal/Instagram

July 2019

Archie was christened in a private ceremony at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on July 6. The royal duo opted to keep the identities of his godparents to themselves and later shared photos with family members, including Duchess Kate, Prince William, Prince Charles and Doria Ragland.

Credit: MEGA

July 2019

The youngest Sussex made his first public appearance on July 10 when he joined Meghan to cheer on Harry at a charity polo match. Cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were also in attendance.

Credit: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

July 2019

The new parents returned to the red carpet for the first time since welcoming Archie. They took in the July 14 European premiere of The Lion King, where they chatted with Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams and other stars.

Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/WPA Pool/Getty Images

July 2019

Harry revealed during a British Vogue interview with Dr. Jane Goodall that he wants a “maximum” of two children.

Credit: Justin Lane/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

September 2019

Meghan traveled to New York City on September 7 to cheer on pal Serena Williams at the US Open women’s final. The trip marked the royal’s first overseas excursion without Archie. Meanwhile, a source confirmed to Us that Harry stayed home to take care of the 4-month-old.

Credit: Shutterstock

September 2019

Harry, Meghan and Archie touched down in Cape Town, South Africa, in September 2019 to kick off their first official tour as a family of three. During their 10-day visit to southern Africa, Meghan convened with students and educators, Harry supported anti-landmine efforts, and both spouses met with young entrepreneurs.

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

October 2019

As Meghan sued The Mail on Sunday over the publication of a private letter she wrote to her father, Harry released a public statement about the “bullying” she has received in the media since the start of their relationship. “I have been a silent witness to her private suffering for too long,” he wrote. “To stand back and do nothing would be contrary to everything we believe in. … There comes a point when the only thing to do is to stand up to this behaviour, because it destroys people and destroys lives.”

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

October 2019

In the documentary Harry & Megan: An African Journey, the couple opened up about their life under the microscope. Meghan discussed her “really challenging” life as a new mother and a new royal, and she said that the British media’s coverage of her has been unfair. “When people are saying things that are just untrue and they’re being told they’re untrue but they’re allowed to still say them, I don’t know anybody in the world that would feel like that’s OK, and that’s different than just scrutiny,” she added.

Credit: Shutterstock

November 2019

Meghan and Harry commemorated the second anniversary of their engagement announcement in November 2019 via Instagram. “On this day, two years ago: 27th of November 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced the news of their engagement,” the couple wrote alongside throwback photos from the last two years. “Later becoming Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex! They have since celebrated their wedding anniversary and welcomed their son, Archie, into the world ❤️”

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

January 2020

Harry and Meghan spent Christmas in Canada with their son, Archie, after confirming that they wouldn’t join the rest of the royal family at the queen’s estate for the holidays. 

“The Duke of Sussex has been a frequent visitor to Canada over many years, and it was also home to The Duchess for seven years before she became a member of the Royal Family,” the couple’s spokesperson told Us in December 2019. “They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son.”

The pair’s decision sparked reports that they were planning to move to Canada in 2020. At the time, the palace told the Daily Mail that they wouldn’t comment on “speculation,” but did not shut down the report.

Harry’s friend Tom Bradby fueled the speculation during an interview with Good Morning Britain. 

“It’s no big secret in their friends that they have been considering their options in the future,” Bradby said. “I don’t ask what their plans are. They keep that pretty close to their chest and understandably so. I don’t think it’s a done deal, that would be my impression. I think there’s a lot of talking to be done, there are a million possibilities, they could go to Canada.”

Credit: Shutterstock

January 2020

Harry and Meghan announced on their Instagram page in January 2020 that they “intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent.” They vowed to continue working with the queen, Charles, William and other royal relatives.

“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 said in a statement. “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 honour 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.”

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

January 2020

The queen announced in a statement on January 18, 2020, that she and the couple had come to an agreement about their new roles, which will see Harry and Meghan lose their His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness titles and completely step down as working members of the royal family. “Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family,” the monarch said. “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved members of the family. I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.”

Harry’s grandmother added that she was “particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family” and hoped that the agreement would allow them “to start building a happy and peaceful new life.” Buckingham Palace stared in a statement that Harry and Meghan have said they wish to repay the Sovereign Grant money that was spent on refurbishing Frogmore Cottage at the queen’s Windsor estate, which will remain their U.K. home. Harper's Bazaar's royal correspondent Omid Scobie reported that Harry’s father, Prince Charles, will continue to finance the couple through his Duchy of Cornwall estate. The couple’s transition period will be complete in spring 2020.

Credit: WILL OLIVER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

February 2020

During a surprise trip to Miami, Harry and Meghan made their first joint appearance since their step down at a JPMorgan event in February 2020. Days later, they secretly visited Stanford University in California.

Credit: FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

February 2020

Buckingham Palace announced in a statement in February 2020 that the couple’s nonprofit organization “will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation.” Harry and Meghan responded with a somewhat shady statement of their own that noted the monarchy does not have “any jurisdiction … over the use of the word ‘Royal’ overseas.”

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

March 2020

Harry and Meghan were unbothered by the rain as they arrived at the Endeavor Fund Awards in London in March 2020 for their first U.K. engagement since their step back.

Credit: Shutterstock

March 2020

The pair reunited with William and Kate at the Commonwealth Day Service in London in March 2020, but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made headlines for barely acknowledging their in-laws.

Credit: Nils Jorgensen/Shutterstock

March 2020

Harry and Meghan moved from Canada to her native Los Angeles in late March 2020.

Credit: Courtesy Sussex Royal/Instagram

March 2020

The activists officially exited the royal family on March 31, 2020, and marked the milestone by using their Sussex Royal Instagram account for the final time. “Thank you to this community — for the support, the inspiration and the shared commitment to the good in the world,” they said in a joint statement.

Credit: P&P/Rachpoot/MEGA

April 2020

Harry and Meghan were spotted wearing protective face coverings in L.A. in April 2020 while delivering food and essentials to needy people amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Credit: Brian Lawless/AP/Shutterstock

May 2020

After making the move from Canada to Los Angeles, Harry and Meghan celebrated their second wedding anniversary in the U.S. on May 19, 2020.

“Meghan designed Harry’s card, and handwrote a beautiful, sentimental message inside expressing her love for him,” a source told Us about their second wedding anniversary. “Harry surprised Meghan with a huge, stunning bouquet of roses and a ring, which she loves.”

The source added: “The most important thing to them was that they got to enjoy each other’s company without any interruption from the outside world."

Credit:

August 2020

Finding Freedom, a book written by royal reporters Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand about Harry and Meghan, gave new insight into the early days of their romance. According to the book, which the duke and duchess denied being involved with, Harry dropped the L-word first within three months of their relationship, “but Meghan immediately replied, ‘I love you, too.’”

The authors also claim that the twosome were secretly engaged months before they announced their plans to wed in November 2017.

Credit: Shutterstock

August 2020

News broke in August 2020 that Harry and Meghan quietly purchased a $14.65 million home in the Montecito enclave of Santa Barbara, California, that June from Russian businessman Sergey Grishin. “Montecito is only just over an hour’s drive from L.A., which is where a majority of their work is based, yet far enough away to escape the crowds, paparazzi and tourism in Hollywood,” a source told Us at the time.

Credit: Geoff Pugh/Shutterstock

September 2020

The couple announced in September 2020 that they signed a multiyear deal with Netflix to produce films, docuseries, documentaries, scripted shows and children’s programming. “Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope,” they said in a statement. “As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us.”

Credit: Time

September 2020

Harry and Meghan broke royal protocol by urging Americans to vote in the 2020 presidential election in a video message for Time magazine in September 2020. “Every four years we are told the same thing: that this is the most important election of our lifetime. But this one is,” the duchess said.

Credit: Andrew Parsons/AP/Shutterstock

November 2020

Meghan revealed in an op-ed for The New York Times in November 2020 that she suffered a miscarriage that July. “I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second,” she wrote, noting that “watching my husband’s heart break as he tried to hold the shattered pieces of mine, I realized that the only way to begin to heal is to first ask, ‘Are you OK?'”

Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/Shutterstock

December 2020

Ahead of the holidays, the couple announced that their Archewell Audio production company had partnered with Spotify to create entertaining and uplifting podcasts. 

“What we love about podcasting is that it reminds all of us to take a moment and to really listen, to connect to one another without distraction," they said in a statement on December 15. "With the challenges of 2020, there has never been a more important time to do so, because when we hear each other, and hear each other’s stories, we are reminded of how interconnected we all are."

Credit: Mayhew

December 2020

As the couple geared up to celebrate Christmas in the U.S. with son Archie in December 2020, they released a watercolor holiday card with the animal charity Mayhew.

Credit: Photo by Misan Harriman, Copyright owned by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex © 2021

February 2021

A spokesperson for the couple announced on Valentine’s Day that Meghan was pregnant with her and Harry’s second child after previously suffering a miscarriage. “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother,” the statement, which was shared alongside a black-and-white photo of the pair, said. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.” 

After the news broke, a source told Us: “Harry and Meghan have always wanted a couple of kids — a little brother or sister for Archie, and they’re excitedly planning for the arrival of their bundle of joy. It’s a dream come true. … Meghan fell pregnant again toward the end of last year. The baby is due at the end of spring.” 

Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock

February 2021

Buckingham Palace announced in February 2021 that Harry and Meghan had informed the queen that they will not be returning as working members of the royal family. The palace said in a statement, “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. While we are all saddened by their decision, the duke and duchess remain much-loved members of the family.”

The couple’s spokesperson, meanwhile, said in a statement, “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.”

Credit: CBS

June 2021

The couple welcomed their second child, a girl named Lilibet "Lili" Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. “On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili," the pair said in a statement posted to their Archewell website on June 6. "She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe. Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.” They added that her first name was chosen to honor her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, whose family nickname is Lilibet, while her middle name was given in tribute to Harry's mother, Princess Diana.

Credit: Pari Dukovic for TIME

September 2021

The couple was named one of Time’s Most Influential People of 2021 on Harry’s 37th birthday.

Credit: Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock; Maureen McLean/Shutterstock

April 2022

While on their way to the Netherlands for the Invictus Games, the duo made their first joint visit to the U.K. since making their royal exit official in March 2020. According to reports, the couple visited the queen, who recovered from COVID-19 one month earlier. 

Credit: INSTAR

May 2022

The twosome marked four years of marriage on May 19. Earlier that month, the couple’s spokesperson confirmed that they are set to attend The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June with Archie and Lili. Buckingham Palace, meanwhile, made it clear that Harry and Meghan will not join the queen on the balcony at the Trooping the Colour parade as the special moment “will be limited to Her Majesty and those members of the Royal Family who are currently undertaking official public duties on behalf of the Queen.”

Credit: GP/MEGA(2)

May 2022

Meghan congratulated Harry with a sweet kiss after he won a polo match with his team, the Los Padres, in Santa Barbara, California. 

Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation/Shutterstock

June 2022

The couple traveled to the U.K. for the queen’s Platinum Jubilee — which celebrated her historic 70 years as monarch. The prince and the Bench author kicked off the events by watching the annual Trooping of Colour parade from the Major General’s Office in London, with a source exclusively telling Us that the pair “wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

The duke and duchess, who enjoyed the day with son Archie and daughter Lilibet, could be seen playfully “shushing” the other great-grandchildren throughout the ceremony. 

Credit: Matt Dunham/WPA Pool/Shutterstock

June 2022

The twosome held hands while attending the Service of Thanksgiving as part of the queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Credit: Seth Wenig/AP/Shutterstock

July 2022

The couple walked hand in hand as they arrived at the United Nations headquarters in New York City in honor of Nelson Mandela Day. Harry delivered a keynote address at the summer event. 

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

August 2022

In an interview with New York magazine's The Cut, Meghan recalled a friend's mom telling her that salt and pepper should always be passed together, explaining that the rule is a good metaphor for her romance with Harry. “She said, ‘You never move one without the other.’ That’s me and Harry," Meghan said. "We’re like salt and pepper. We always move together.”

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

September 2022

Meghan looked back on the early days of her romance with Harry during an episode of her "Archetypes" podcast, claiming the public's response to their engagement felt "stereotyped" and outdated. "When I started dating my husband and we became engaged, everyone was like, 'Oh, my God, you're so lucky he chose you!'" she recalled. "At a certain point, after you hear it a million times over, you're like, 'I chose him, too.' ... I have a partner who was countering that narrative for me and going, 'They've got it all wrong. I'm the lucky one because you chose me.'"

Credit: Chris Jackson WPA Pool/Shutterstock

September 2022

Harry and Meghan joined William and Kate at Windsor Castle on September 10 as they greeted mourners after the queen’s death.