Introduction to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, met in 2016, began dating in mid-2017, and announced their engagement in November 2017. They married on May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, in a ceremony widely covered globally. This overview outlines their courtship, wedding details, family milestones, and publicly documented facts, drawing on official statements and reputable sources.
How Harry and Meghan Met
Harry and Meghan met through mutual friends in London in mid-2016. Meghan, then an actress, had recently moved to the UK to film the TV series Suits. Harry was completing his military service and had reconnected with royal duties. Their early relationship was reported in the press in October 2016, with both later describing a gradual connection built around shared values, humor, and a commitment to humanitarian work.
Initial Public Disclosure
Their relationship became public in November 2016 after appearing together at a private event. In response to intense scrutiny, they issued statements emphasizing respect and privacy. News organizations were urged to adhere to responsible reporting standards regarding Meghan, and both Harry and Meghan called for an end to press intrusion during their courtship.
The Engagement
Harry proposed in November 2017 during a private evening at his family’s estate in Windsor. The ring features a central diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds, echoing designs associated with the royal family while incorporating stones that reference Meghan’s earlier jewelry. The engagement was announced on November 27, 2017, accompanied by an official portrait and statement outlining their intentions to marry the following year.
Official Engagement Portrait
The engagement photograph was taken by Alexi Lubomirski, who also shot the wedding portraits. The image captured a candid moment between the couple and was released across major media outlets. The portrait was noted for its warm, personal tone compared with more formal royal pictures.
Wedding Details and Ceremony
The wedding took place on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The ceremony featured a mix of traditional and contemporary elements. Harry wore his ceremonial uniform; Meghan’s dress was by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. Key moments included the entrance song Walk This Way by Aerosmith and the couple’s choice to exchange vows without a formal dowry or rigid protocol.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding Date | May 19, 2018 | Official Announcements |
| Ceremony Venue | St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle | Royal Household Statement |
| Titles After Marriage | Duke and Duchess of Sussex | Official Gazette and Clarence House |
| Children | Archie Harrison (b.2019), Lilibet Diana (b.2021) | Official Birth Announcements |
| Prenuptial Agreement | Signed before marriage; terms not publicly disclosed | Legal Reports and Royal Sources |
Titles, Family, and Official Role
Upon marriage, Meghan became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. The couple have two children: Archie Harrison, born May 6, 2019, and Lilibet Diana, born June 4, 2021. In early 2020, they stepped back from senior royal duties, moving to North America and establishing financial independence while retaining honorary titles. Harry remains sixth in line to the throne; their children hold no title at birth but are British citizens.
First Child and Public Announcements
Archie’s birth was announced via a palace statement and photograph at Frogmore Cottage. Lilibet’s birth was announced while the couple were on a family visit to the UK. Both events were marked by global media attention and public messages from senior royals, though the couple chose to keep details limited.
Public Milestones and Documented Statements
Key milestones include the release of their wedding photos, the Sussexes’ televised interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, and their memoir Spare (released January 2023). Official documents such as the wedding order of service, the Royal Wedding website, and statements from Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace remain primary sources for factual timelines. The couple’s charitable foundation, Archewell, was launched in 2019 and became fully operational in 2021.
Notable Public Appearances as a Unit
- Royal Wedding (May 19, 2018) at St George’s Chapel, Windsor
- Oprah Winfrey Interview (March 2021)
- Publication of Memoir Spare (January 2023)
- Launch of Archewell Foundation (2019, operations expanded 2021)
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting Year | 2016 | Reputable Media Reports |
| Engagement Date | November 27, 2017 | Royal Communication |
| Wedding Date | May 19, 2018 | Official Notices |
| Children | Archie (2019), Lilibet (2021) | Birth Announcements |
| Titles Post-Marriage | Duke and Duchess of Sussex | Official Gazette |
Context and Public Perception
Harry and Meghan’s relationship and marriage have been covered extensively, influencing conversations around modern royal partnerships, media ethics, and charitable engagement. Their transition from senior royals to independent philanthropists has been marked by both support and criticism. Documented sources, including palace statements, wedding records, and verified interviews, provide a factual baseline that remains relevant for understanding their ongoing public roles.
Summary
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship began in 2016, progressed to an engagement in 2017, and culminated in their marriage on May 19, 2018. As Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they expanded their family, adjusted their royal duties, and established independent charitable and media activities. Key facts are well documented across official communications and reputable news sources, providing a clear, enduring overview of their partnership and its public milestones.