On November 27th 2017, Kensington Palace announced that Prince Harry and his then-girlfriend Meghan Markle were engaged and from that moment, the two have become one of the most well-known couples in the world.
Not only did they have a fairytale royal wedding in May 2018, but they have also since welcomed two children together, Archie and Lilibet.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement announcement
He was once the most eligible bachelor in Britain, but in November 2017, it was confirmed that Prince Harry was officially off the market and had proposed to his girlfriend, Suits actress, Meghan Markle after 16 months of dating.
Just a day after the official announcement, the happy couple appeared on the grounds of The Sunken Garden, one of Princess Diana’s favourite places at Kensington Palace for a photo call.
When one eager journalist asked, “When did you know she was the one?” Harry replied, “The very first time we met.”
Meghan’s engagement ring features a diamond from Botswana — a place close to each of their hearts following several trips there as a couple — and in a sweet tribute to Harry’s late mother, two side stones taken from Princess Diana’s personal collection.
In their official BBC engagement interview, it was revealed that Harry popped the question at their home, Nottingham Cottage while roasting a chicken and Meghan could hardly let him finish proposing.
“She didn’t even let me finish, she said ‘can I say yes, can I say yes?’ and then there were hugs and I had the ring in my finger and I was like can I — can I give you the ring? She goes — oh yes the ring,” Harry recounted.
“It was a really nice moment, it was just the two of us and I think managed to catch her by surprise as well.”
Meghan added: “It was so sweet and natural and very romantic.”
The pair went on to release their official engagement portraits to commemorate the happy news.
The snaps, taken by renowned fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski, featured one of the couple sitting on the steps of Frogmore House, one of them walking through the grounds hand-in-hand and another of Harry and Meghan in a romantic embrace.
“Not only was it an incredible honour, but also an immense privilege to be invited to share and be a witness to this young couple’s love for each other. I cannot help but smile when I look at the photos that we took,” Alexi revealed.
Meghan wore a sheer dress by Australian design duo Ralph & Russo rumoured to be worth $97,000.
(Image: Instagram @kensingtonroyal)
A picture perfect couple.
(Image: Instagram @kensingtonroyal)
Harry and Meghan were the definition of loved-up in their engagement photos.
(Image: Instagram @kensingtonroyal)Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding
In what was possibly the biggest event of 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in the ultimate fairytale wedding.
Harry and Meghan said “I do” in front of 600 friends and family packed into the pews of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle and billions tuned in from around the world to watch them exchange vows and become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
After not just one but two kisses, the couple celebrated in style with a lunch reception hosted by the Queen and a wild evening party hosted by Prince Charles at Frogmore House.
Sealed with a kiss: The newlyweds were watched by billions.
(Image: Getty)
Harry and Meghan brought their informal charm to their official wedding photos.
(Image: Instagram @kensingtonroyal/@alexilubomirski)
Harry gifted his bride with his mother’s aquamarine ring for the evening reception.
(Image: Getty)A royal baby announcement
On 16 October 2018, it was revealed that the Sussexes would become a family of three, after Kensington Palace announced the exciting news of the royal pregnancy shortly after Harry and Meghan arrived in Sydney on a royal tour.
The royal family were “delighted for the couple,” with the Palace confirming that the late Queen, Prince Philip, King Charles, Prince William and Princess Catherine were notified of Duchess Meghan’s pregnancy at Princess Eugenie’s wedding in October.
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on 6 May 2019, a healthy baby boy.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed baby Archie on 6 May 2019.
(Image: Getty)Stepping away from royal life
In January 2020, it was first announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be stepping back from royal life.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released a statement saying, “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year […] We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family […] while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen”.
The couple partook in their final royal engagements in March 2020, and 31 March marked their official exit from royal life. As part of their transitional period, Harry and Meghan relocated to California, and in February 2021 they officially announced that they would not return to royal duties.
Buckingham Palace made a statement saying, “While we are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family”.
Prince Harry and Meghan officially stepped down from their royal roles in February 2021.
(Image: Getty)Another bundle of joy
On 14 February 2021, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they were expecting their second child.
In a sweet nod to Prince Harry’s mother, the couple announced the exciting news on the same day that Princess Diana revealed to the public that she was pregnant with her second child, 37 years earlier.
It was a very different announcement to that of their first pregnancy. As the couple were no longer working royals, the news was shared quite informally, with Harry and Meghan posing barefoot, in their garden, and in an intimate embrace.
Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born in California on 4 June 2021. The name Lilibet was chosen as a nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II, as Lilibet was her nickname from her family. And Diana was chosen as her middle name in honour of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana.
The pair looked relaxed in their baby announcement photograph.
(Image: Misan Harriman / Getty)
