Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's relationship has captivated us throughout the years. Their story has love, family, loss, and of course, royalty. But how did the Duke and Duchess of Sussex come to be the powerful, independent couple they are today? Here's everything we know about the pair's relationship timeline, starting from the first time they met!
Mike Coppola / Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala
After initially meeting on Instagram (a classic plot point for 21st century relationships), Meghan and Harry met for a first date in London.
“I was scrolling through my feed and someone who was a friend had this video of the two of them [and Meghan], it was like a Snapchat,” Harry said of is digital introduction to Meghan in the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries. He remembers asking himself, "Who is that?"
Chris Jackson / Getty Images
It was an official statement from Kensington Palace that confirmed Meghan and Harry's relationship.
At the time, Meghan faced mass amounts of sexist and racist backlash through the media for her association with the royal family. Kensington Palace denounced the hate in a statement:
“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.”
Despite the hate, Meghan and Harry persevered as a couple.
Chris Jackson / Getty Images
Meghan revealed even more information about her connection with Harry in a Vanity Faircover story in September 2017.
“We’re a couple. We’re in love,” she told Vanity Fair. “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.”
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Meghan officially moved to London in the fall of 2017 and the couple announced their engagement not long after.
Harry proposed to Meghan at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace with a ring made from two of Princess Diana's diamonds, and she said "yes" on the spot!
An official statement from the palace detailed their engagement further:
“His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle,” it read. “His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle's parents.”
Meghan recalled the moment Harry proposed on the Harry & Meghan Netflix docuseries:
“He’s down on one knee and I was like, ‘Yes!’ I was so joyful and excited. I was like, ‘Ah we’re doing this."
Ben Birchall / Getty Images
Meghan and Harry got married at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. They admitted a few years later that they had actually exchanged vows three days before they walked down the aisle, for the sake of privacy.
“No one knows that,” Meghan said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. “We called the archbishop and just said, look, this thing, this spectacle is for the world, but we want our union between us, so the vows that we have framed in our room are just the two of us in our backyard with the archbishop of Canterbury.”
Millions of people tuned in for their televised wedding ceremony on May 19, 2018.
On October 15, 2018, Kensington Palace released a statement informing the public that Meghan and Harry were expecting their first child the following spring.
The news broke while Meghan and Harry were on a 16-day royal tour through Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. The pair returned home and settled in at Windsor Castle's Frogmore Cottage to start prepping for the baby.
Dominic Lipinski / Getty Images
Chris Jackson / Getty Images
After "many months" of deliberation, Meghan and Harry had decided to "transition" from the royal family in early 2020.
In an official statement, they shared their plans to step back as ‘senior’ members of the royal family, become financially independent from Her Majesty, and split time between the United States and United Kingdom.
"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," the statement read. "We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties."
They moved to the U.S. a couple months later, staying in Montecito, California until they bought a home in Santa Barbara in the summer of 2020.
Meghan admitted she experienced a miscarriage with her second pregnancy, writing in a vulnerable New York Times op-ed essay that the loss of her second pregnancy with Prince Harry felt like “an almost unbearable grief.”
“I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second,” Meghan wrote. “Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal.”
The couple sat down for a very candidinterview with Oprah in March 2021, coming clean on multiple topics that had arose since living in the public eye. From Meghan’s mental health to the dynamic of the royal family – including the racism Meghan had experienced since becoming a member – they spoke honestly.
Yui Mok / Getty Images
The pair publicly announced their second pregnancy in February 2021, welcoming their daughter, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten Windsor, a few months later.
Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021 in Santa Barbara, California.
Kirsty O'Connor / Getty Images
Meghan and Harry headed to Buckingham Palace for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, marking their first joint appearance in the U.K. in over two years at that point.
The two weren’t publicly mingling with other senior royalty in attendance, though they reportedly introduced Lilibet to the Queen in private during their trip.
"They aren't part of the [working] royal family anymore, and that's a decision they have taken — but maybe [the public] hasn't quite accepted that yet," a source close to the couple told Peoplein 2022. "Yes, they were low-key. They paid their respects and went home."
Meghan and Harry were called to Windsor Castle on September 8, 2022, shortly after Queen Elizabeth II passed away at age 96.
They briefly reunited with Kate Middleton and Prince William to support the royal family amid the news. According to Kensington Palace, the rare meeting was actually William's idea, with a source noting that it "was an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time for the family."
Sascha Schuermann / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation
The first volume Meghan & Harry Netflix docuseries hit screens on December 8, 2022. The pair addressed their full love story, their new family, and dived deeper on their reasons for distancing from the royal family in the three-part series.
Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images
Meghan and Harry were asked to “vacate” Frogmore Cottage in the spring of 2023.
"We can confirm The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been requested to vacate their residence at Frogmore Cottage," a spokesperson for the couple's Archewell Foundation told People.
Andrew Chin / Getty Images
An inside source disputed the claim that the late Queen Elizabeth had not given Meghan and Harry her blessing to name their daughter after her known nickname, Lilibet.
“Meghan and Harry 100 percent got permission from the queen to use the name Lilibet,” the insider said. “The report is not true. [Harry and Meghan] don’t know where this is coming from...They’re shocked that this is coming now; it seems out of nowhere and out of left field. They just feel like it’s more of the same spear campaign that continues against them.”
Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation
Meghan was slated to speak on a South by Southwest panel for International Women’s Day 2024, so she and Harry traveled to Austin, Texas.
While they were in Austin, the couple had a date night at Soho House Austin.
“They were happy and in great spirits,” an eyewitness told People. “Harry was very animated throughout the dinner. They were super low key and seemed happy to be around the upbeat vibes at the lively venue.”
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Lead photo by Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation.
As a self-confessed fashion girlie, I have to say that I always like to feel good about my outfit from head to toe — even when I'm casually bumming it at the beach on vacation. Beach style is so unique with all its lovely straw and linen looks, so when I'm prepping for a day out in the sun like that, I especially love to have a fun — and practical — beach tote bag to feel prepared and put together. And while I'd love to have a designer special for every setting, finding these chic, beachy options on a budget always makes the look even sweeter. So I rounded up 9 beach bags that are fashion-forward, but still affordable so you don't have to panic when they get all sandy! Keep reading to see all of our chic cool-girl approved picks!
Love Shack Fancy is one of those brands that is absolutely killing the game at the moment. Everything they release is so on-brand and fun and this adorable tote bag is definitely just that! It's floral and fun and totally adorable! We love this affordable collab and think you should definitely grab it while it's still on sale!
A mini tote is perfect for all you ladies that only need the essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, and a book or two. This bag fits just enough items and it's great that you don't have to lug around a huge bag. At $39, this bag is a steal and so cute!
Damson Madder is another brand that has such a unique style that is so recognizable when you see it. This bag just encapsulates them as a brand and is the perfect beach bag. It can fit lunch (which is perfect since its print is food and the name is "Bon Appetite") and any other essential you'll need for the beach. Obsessed with this one!
The OG tote bag that is very on-trend recently because you honestly just can't beat a classic! I love the idea of monogramming this sweet bag with your initials or a cute phrase. This beach tote will never go out of style!
This one is more expensive than our previous, but I wanted to include it in case you're going straight from the beach to lunch or dinner. The shape is very on-trend at the moment and it's the perfect day-to-night bag! It looks so high-fashion and luxe with its simple yet unique shape.
You can't do beach totes without including this iconic Ganni bag that's everywhere at the moment. I see so many pictures of this when I scroll on Pinterest. This one will definitely make you look like a cool-girl influencer that you see all over IG.
This splash-proof bag is not only adorable, but also practical as well. It's simple yet fun — and is also super affordable at under $70! The perfect beach bag that will fit anything you need!
I'm loving printed bags at the moment, so here's another one to add to the list. Carhartt has been releasing so many good items and this is one that's currently on my wishlist! Whether you need it for the beach, the gym, or school — it will definitely work in a ton of different scenarios all-the-while looking extra cute!
Djerf Avenue has been one of my favorite brands for years and this tote bag will really carry absolutely anything you need! It's massive and extremely durable plus the print is so cute! With this bag, you'll look like a Scandi-girl angel!
Looking for more awesome pick? Sign up for our shopping newsletter, and be sure to check out our Amazon storefront for more editor-approved products!
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Lead image via Urban Outfitters.
Meghan Markle is not just the Duchess of Sussex – she is a businesswoman! The 42 year-old wife, mother, and ex-actress announced her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, last month. The brand’s site doesn’t spill much on what ARO is all about, but the first sign we saw hinted at something pretty sweet: jam.
Chris Jackson / Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation
A few celebrities and high-profile figures linked to the royal received individual samples of the very first batch of American Riviera Orchard jam, while the actual jars have yet to be listed for sale for the masses online. Tracee Ellis Ross, Mindy Kaling, Tracy Robbins, Delfina Blaquier, and more revealed their jam jars on social media. The first flavor looks to be strawberry!
IG Stories / @mindykaling
“Obsessed,” Mindy Kaling wrote in her Instagram Story featuring the strawberry jam.
The label on the jam jar in Kaling’s photo read “19 of 50,” so I assume the first batch was only as big as 50 jars.
Meghan Markle's American Riviera Orchard Instagram feed
Sadly, there hasn’t been any official word yet on when people like you and I (ahem, not royals or celebs) can buy American Riviera Orchard goodies. The brand’s website is currently blank aside from a prompter box to put your email in for updates. ARO’s Instagram account is also void of information – the owner of the account restricted comments altogether while the bio simply reads: “by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex.”
Chris Jackson / Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation
According to those close to Meghan, the brand’s name draws inspiration from Santa Barbara, California. It’s where she lives with Prince Harry and their two kids, so the location has some personal significance. The city has also been coined “The American Riviera” for over a century, tugging at the themes of opulence and royalty that Meghan’s brand seemingly highlights.
Toby Melville - WPA Pool / Getty Images
Jam isn’t all Meghan plans to do with American Riviera Orchard. According to New York Post, her business is currently applying for a trademark that could allow them to sell tableware, drinkware, kitchen linens, and foods like jellies, jams, marmalade, and spreads.
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Summer is quickly approaching and you know what that means...so is wedding season! Spring and summer can tend to be jam-packed with wedding events, celebrations, and ceremonies. And if you're anything like us, you might be looking for some new makeup looks to try out for all of the seemingly endless occasions where we wanna look our best, but somehow manage to sweat off our hard work before the photographer even takes the first picture. Well, we asked the experts for their best tips for long-lasting coverage, but their favorite looks to try out — because nobody needs to look back at a wedding picture and wonder how they could have kept their mascara on better! Here's are four amazing expert tips for the best wedding guest makeup, plus a simple look to try yourself!
Photo by Ron Lach/PEXELS
Skin prep is the #1 key to not only getting dewy looking makeup, but long-lasting makeup that doesn't crease! We asked the experts atDr. Hauschka what they would do for long lasting makeup, and they said, "Moisturized skin is glowing skin. Always prep face and with rich emollient moisturizers (like our certified natural Rose Day Cream). Your makeup will easily glide over face and blend with your moisturizer for a glowy finish." IMO, this tip is absolute gold because you don't want your skin to dry or cake over throughout the day, and it seems like this will really help with that!
They also said, "If you want your complexion to look naturally sun-kissed, look to bronzers you can blend with your foundation or moisturizer. (Mixing a few drops our Translucent Bronzing Tint with your moisturizer provides a subtle sun-kissed glow without shimmers.)" Talk about a glow! We love this dewy tip and have PLENTY of moisturizers, both tinted and otherwise, to recommend!
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Next, you definitely want to opt for a more simple look, makeup-wise! It's better to keep things minimal instead of doing too much with a bold lip and bold eye. Makeup artist and owner of The Green Room Agency, Nysa Green said, "Pick one feature to be the focus of your look, and concentrate on that. It can even be legs or shoulders. Tone down everything else." We love this trick because it's so simple to choose either a fun eye shade or lip color and have that be the focal point!
Nyssa also said, "Use a setting spray to keep everything in place through the festivities." Setting spray is the key to really lock in your makeup and ensure it lasts all day!
And Nyssa's final tip? "Avoid a red lip unless you want to stand out in all the pictures!"
Photo via Stephanie G-M
When doing wedding guest makeup, you want to make sure not to over-do it because you never want to appear like you're trying to upstage the bride in any way. Celebrity makeup artist, Stephanie G-M gave us a tip on this matter and said, "I suggest going for a look that elevates what your day look may already be. Starting with either a bit of color on your lips as a stain or eyes with statement jewelry (like above) means you'll be looking elegant but not out shining the bride's look."
She added, "Dewy skin and a little more blush than usual will also brighten up the look you go for. I would suggest just balancing it and not doing a full eye look and full lip look for the wedding." Duly noted!
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
Stephanie G-M also gave us all the tips and tricks for how you can quickly — and effectively — touch up your wedding guest makeup throughout the day. She says, "Carry blotting paper with you for any shine that may occur instead of powdering it away when you are trying to achieve a dewy look. Always have a balm you can use to enhance highlight areas. You can always use your lip color as your cheek color too as the day goes on!" She also added, "You can always carry an eye liner with you if you choose to make it more bold for the evening." We love these tips for essentials to keep in our clutch!
Photo via Yaz Roque/Ringmybelle.com
Makeup artist, Yaz Roque has a great look that is a must-try when it comes to the perfect wedding guest makeup look. She said, "With wedding guest makeup it’s key to keep it simple. I love to give wedding guests neutral tones, with a little bit of a shimmer on the lids. My tip would be to switch out your harsh liquid liner with a more smoked out liner, soft glam on the skin, and a pinky mauve or nude on the lips. You can even finish with my favorite lip oil at the moment byBlossom Beauty, it’s natural, smells amazing, and gives the right amount of shine for a perfect pour. Plus it’s under $7.” We love a good lip oil! I can't wait to try this look out for an upcoming wedding! This look is super natural yet still overstated enough for fancier occasions like a wedding.
What's your go-to makeup hack? Follow us on Pinterest for more inspo!
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Lead image via Stephanie G-M
With so much in common, there's a lot to love about Japanese and Scandinavian design. Both aesthetics emphasize neutral and earthy colors, sustainable materials, and the great outdoors (plants, branches, and solids woods). Japandi design brings the two decor trends into one happy, harmonious place, influenced by the subtle differences in each design. There's the comfort and warm minimalism of the Scandi style combined with the elegance, attention to detail and wabi-sabi, or rustic simplicity (wabi) and beauty in imperfection (sabi), of the Japanese side. Here's a look at how to achieve the look with our shoppable favorites!
Image courtesy of Klein Agency
This 1930s ranch-style home in the Los Feliz Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles exudes a Japandi vibe, with its open and airy layout, beautiful cabinetry in Douglas Fir, clean modern lines, tons of natural light and high-end materials to elevate the design, all reimagined by AIA award-winning architects Klein Agency in collab with builder SITU Development.
Image courtesy of Klein Agency
Look for shades of white, beige, gray and earth tones to create a serene and calming atmosphere.The Klein design team was inspired by the home’s natural surroundings and sweeping views. Green tones reflect the nature outside, as do the beautiful wide plank white oak flooring by Madera. The relaxed organic bedding hint to a more Scandi hygge look.
Image courtesy of Klein Agency
The Klein architects added two more bedrooms and additional square footage to maximize the home’s functionality and flow. Where does all the clutter go? These built-in closets offer tons of storage space so you never see any.
Image courtesy of Klein Agency
Minimal artwork and natural elements set the scene for a quiet workspace, where focus is key. Don't be afraid to include vintage items and personal mementos too. Things that hold meaning to you are especially important.
Image courtesy of Klein Agency
The windows are unobstructed throughout the home, maximizing natural light, and the decor embraces the outdoors with indoor branches and greenery (even in the shower).
Image courtesy of Klein Agency
Rise and shine: sleek furniture and a balanced layout, as well as limited decoration, are signature markers of Japandi design. Furniture and decor feels purposeful, like you use what you love and need.
Image courtesy of Klein Agency
Indoors and out, Japandi design prioritizes relaxation and mindfulness, as shown in this stunning Los Feliz home. Keep the design simple, clutter-free, and peaceful. It's all about your well-being and creating a sanctuary for living.
This sleek, fan-like pendant makes an artistic statement in any room.
Japandi doesn't mean lack of color. This rich emerald print of floating cranes adds a pop to your neutral decor.
Sit back and relax on this solid wood + rope outdoor chair in a rustic neutral hue, perfect for a Japandi-style patio.
Furniture that is multi-functional is very Japandi. This piece has functional adjustable shelves, an extendable TV stand (or kids table), and is perfect for your living room, bedroom or office.
This minimal but unique sofa also functions as a bed, plus it has hidden armrest storage space.
Here's your future reading spot, or the perfect perch for a zen moment with a nature view.
These versatile side tables made in Japanese hinoki wood are stunning from every angle.
Organic shapes like this geometric chandelier create a feeling of nature indoors.
It's all in the details. From your dining room to your office, this curvy steel-frame chair is art that's functional too.
Check out our online newsletter for more decor trend inspo!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Header image courtesy of Klein Agency
