When news broke that Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan were stepping back from royal duties, it was hard not to think about how much has changed since the couple first started dating in secret back in 2016.
After what has been dubbed ‘Megxit’, we thought it was time to take a look back at the Sussex’s eventful last three years that led to such a royal bombshell.
October 20, 2016
News breaks that Prince Harry is dating Suits star Meghan Markle.
The pair met at London’s Soho House in July after being set up on a blind date by their mutual friend Misha Nonoo.
November 8, 2016
Harry publicly attacks the British media over its abuse and harassment of his girlfriend.
November 27, 2017
The couple reveal they are engaged after Harry proposed while Meghan roasted a chicken at home.
February 28, 2018
Harry and Meghan join forces at a public engagement with William and Kate – the media dub them the “awesome foursome”.
WATCH BELOW: Meghan talks about “hitting the ground running” with her charity work. Post continues after video…
May 19, 2018
Harry and Meghan marry at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle and become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
March 14, 2019
Rumours of a rift between Harry and William emerge after the Sussexes split from Kensington Palace to form their own royal household.
April 3, 2019
The couple move into Frogmore Cottage after taxpayer-funded renovations that reportedly cost around $5 million.
May 6, 2019
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor is born in London. The couple opt not to give him a royal title and insist he be called Master Archie.
June 20, 2019
Harry and Meghan confirm they are splitting from the Royal Foundation charity with William and Kate to start their own initiative, Sussex Royal. It is later revealed it will officially launch in 2020.
October 1, 2019
Meghan sues a UK paper, alleging a private letter to her father was published illegally. It’s believed this action was not sanctioned by the Queen.
November 14, 2019
The duke and duchess confirm they will not spend Christmas at Sandringham with the royal family. It is later announced they are taking a six-week break, and they spend the holidays in Canada.
January 8, 2020
Harry and Meghan announce in a statement they are stepping back as “senior” members of the royal family and are “working to become financially independent”.