How did Prince Harry meet Meghan Markle? Full relationship timeline from wedding to birth of Archie and Lilibet

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have been together for eight years and had a lot of ups and downs during their relationship.

Here is a timeline of the couples life together and all of their milestones.

21

July 2016 - Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meet

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met on a blind date in July 2016.

The that after just two dates, the "already-smitten royal" decided to whisk the American actress off to Botswana - a country which has placed a central role in their fairytale romance.

The pair enjoyed five nights camping under the African stars, and Prince Harry later told the broadcaster he believed the "stars were aligned" when he met her.

During an interview with the BBC, prior to their wedding, they declined to name of a mutual friend who introduced them.

But, Meghan said she "didn't know much" about Prince Harry before they started dating.

Prior to their wedding, Piers Morgan told his followers that after he took Meghan to his local pub in 2016, the TV star went off for her first date with Prince Harry.

The Good Morning Britain presenter wasn't invited to the couple's nuptials, however.

Summer 2016 - Meghan Markle joins Prince Harry in Botswana

After their second date Prince Harry invited Meghan to join him on his trip to Botswana.

Prince Harry said in his engagement interview: "We camped out with each other under the stars.

"She came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic.

"So then we were really by ourselves, which was crucial to me to make sure that we had a chance to know each other."

October 30, 2016 - Harry and Meghan's relationship goes public

The couple had their first outing at a Halloween party.

It was reported that actress Meghan, who played Rachel Zane in legal drama Suits, was secretly dating Prince Harry.

A close pal of the royal confirmed they had been dating for several months, in an interview with People.

November 8, 2016 - Prince Harry confirms his relationship with Megan Markle

21

Kensington Palace confirmed the relationship with a statement.

Prince Harry was worried for her safety and hoped to protect her from paparazzi and negative attention.

December 14, 2016 - The couple gets photographed together for the first time

The Sun published exclusive first pictures of Harry and Meghan as they were spotted hand-in-hand, while out on a date in London.

At the time, pals said actress Meghan had “virtually moved in” to Harry’s cottage at Kensington Palace with the couple having been “inseparable” for weeks.

May 6, 2017 - Prince Harry and Meghan attend their first public event as a couple

21

Meghan made her first public appearance as royal girlfriend when she proudly watched Prince Harry playing polo in Berkshire.

Harry played in support of his Sentebale charity.

May 20, 2017 - Meghan joins Harry as date to Pippa Middleton's wedding

Prince Harry went to the wedding ceremony alone, however Meghan joined him at the private evening reception.

He travelled to London to pick her up after the ceremony.

August 4, 2017 - Meghan and Prince Harry enjoy a vacation in Africa

For her birthday Prince Harry took Meghan away for a three-week trip to Africa.

The trip included some time in Botswana, where the couple stayed after their second date.

September 5, 2017 - Meghan gives her first interview about her relationship with the prince

Meghan was on the cover of Vanity Fair for their October 2017 issue and talked about her relationship with Prince Harry.

She said: "I can tell you that at the end of the day I think it's really simple.

"We're two people who are really happy and in love.

"We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people's perception.

"Nothing about me changed.

"I'm still the same person that I am, and I've never defined myself by my relationship,"

September 25, 2017 - The pair was seen at the Invictus Games

21

The couple was pictured together in Toronto as they attended the Invictus Games, Prince Harry's sporting competition for wounded service personnel.

Meghan joined Harry as well on September 27 and September 30.

She was joined by her friend Markus Anderson.

During the games closing ceremony on September 30, 2017, the pair were spotted in an embrace and at one point the pair shared a kiss.

It came as they sat in the stadium beside Meghan's mum Doria.

October 19, 2017 - Prince Harry and Meghan have tea with the Queen

It was reported that Harry had taken Meghan to Buckingham Palace for a meal with his grandmother - Her Majesty the Queen.

The meeting was about an hour long and they were escorted to the palace in station wagons with blacked-out windows.

On November 27, 2017 - The pair announce their engagement

21

It was announced that the couple were engaged to be married in spring 2018.

Clarence House said in a statement: "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.

"The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace."

After a photocall at Kensington Palace, they gave their first joint interview to the BBC.

December 15, 2017 - Kensington Palace confirmed wedding date

Kensington Palace confirmed the ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018.

In a statement, Kensington Palace said: "Her Majesty The Queen has granted permission for the wedding to take place at the Chapel.

"The Royal Family will pay for the wedding."

December 24-25, 2017 - Meghan spends first Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham

Meghan Markle joined the royal family for their Christmas celebrations at Sandringham.

They broke tradition since normally only married partners were allowed to their family Christmas celebrations.

Princess Kate was not invited for Christmas in Sandringham in 2010, despite being engaged to Prince William.

March 7, 2018 - Meghan Markle is baptized into the Church of England

In a secret ceremony Meghan Markle was baptized into the Church of England by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Royal Chapel at St. James's Palace in London.

Prince Harry, his father King Charles - then Prince Charles - and Queen Consort Camila were present to support her.

March 22, 2018 - Meghan and Harry sent out their Royal Wedding invitations

21

Meghan and Harry sent out their Royal Wedding invitations.

The invitations read: "His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales K.G., K.T. requests the pleasure of the company of …… at the Marriage of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales with Ms Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on Saturday 19th May 2018 at 12 Noon followed by a reception at Windsor Castle."

May 16, 2018 - The couple wed privately at home

Three days before their official royal wedding, the couple had a private ceremony at their home.

Meghan said in an interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021:"Three days before our wedding, we got married — no one knows that — but we called the Archbishop and said, '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."

May 19, 2018 - Prince Harry and Meghan marry in a royal wedding

21

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed at St. George's Chapel in Windsor in front of their family, friends and the world.

They officially became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

King Charles escorted Meghan down the aisle.

The newlyweds received rapturous applause as they emerged from Windsor's St George's Chapel following a ground-breaking multi-cultural ceremony complete with a gospel choir and an American bishop.

After the wedding ceremony, the married couple had a wedding lunch with 600 guests.

In the evening there was a private evening wedding reception at Frogmore House.

Guests such as Idris Elba, George Clooney and Serena Willams attended the event.

May 22, 2018 - The pair has their first royal appearance as married couple

21

Three days after their wedding, the newly weds attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in honour of King Charles 70th birthday.

Kensington Palace spokesman Jason Knauf confirmed: "The couple will be going on honeymoon, but not straightaway.

"They will have their first engagement as a married couple in the week after the wedding."

October 15 2018 - Prince Harry and Meghan announce they're expecting their first child

Harry and Meghan announce they are expecting their first child in Spring 2019.

Kensington Palace statement said: "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.

"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."

November 7, 2018 - The couple split from their joint court with William and Kate

In November 2018, it was reported that Prince Harry and Meghan would split from their "joint court" with Prince William and Kate Middleton's Kensington Palace office.

According to , “the pressures of monarchy, marriage and their diverging royal roles are presenting new challenges for dukes of Cambridge and Sussex".

April 2019 - Prince Harry and Meghan moved to Frogmore cottage

After separating households from Prince William and Kate, the pair moved into Frogmore cottage in Windsor.

Their office moved from Kensington Palace to Buckingham Palace.

May 6, 2019 - The pair welcomes their first baby

21

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born at 5.27am on May 6, 2019.

Meghan and Harry's baby boy weighed 7lbs 3oz.

Shortly after the arrival of the baby, Harry gave a candid interview, revealing his excitement to be a dad.

He said: "We have a very healthy boy. Mother and baby are doing incredibly well.

"It has been the most amazing experience I could have ever possibly imagined.

"How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension.

"I’m absolutely thrilled and so grateful for all the love and support out there.

"It has been amazing."

May 19, 2019 - Unseen wedding photos are shared for their first wedding anniversary

Meghan and Harry celebrated their first wedding anniversary by thanking everyone for "all of the love and support", while releasing a photo montage on Instagram.

The montage was set to "This Little Light of Mine," which was performed during their wedding ceremony recessional.

July 6, 2019 - Baby Archie was christened in secret ceremony

On July 6, 2019, Archie was christened in a secret ceremony at Queen Elizabeth's private chapel at Windsor Castle.

The ceremony was attended by close family members and friends.

October 20, 2019 - The pair announces that they will take family time off

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced a six week holiday from royal duties to focus on their family.

A few days before the announcement Meghan sued the Associated Newspapers for publishing parts of a letter she wrote to her father.

November 13, 2019 - The Duke and Duchess confirm their Christmas plans

Prince Harry and Meghan announced that they will spend Christmas with Meghan's mother.

The palace shared a statement saying: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are looking forward to extended family time towards the end of this month.

"Having spent the last two Christmases at Sandringham, Their Royal Highnesses will spend the holiday this year, as a new family, with the Duchess' mother Doria Ragland.

"This decision is in line with precedent set previously by other members of the Royal Family, and has the support of Her Majesty The Queen."

January 8, 2020 - Prince Harry and Meghan announce they are stepping down as senior royals

Prince Harry and Meghan announced they were stepping down as senior royals.

In a statement shared on Instagram they wrote: "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.

"We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.

"It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment."

March 2020 - The pair attend their final royal work engagements

21

On March 5, 2020, they attended the Endeavor Fund Awards in London and on March 9, 2020 the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.

Their final day as senior royals was March 31, 2020.

It was confirmed they were setting up a permanent home in the US.

April 6, 2020 - Prince Harry and Meghan announce launch of Archewell

A week after stepping down as senior royals, the pair announced the name of their new charitable foundation Archewell.

Archewell is "an impact-driven nonprofit created by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex," and its "core purpose is to uplift and unite communities — local and global, online and offline — one act of compassion at a time."

May 6, 2020 - Archie turns one year old

21

Archie's first birthday was a quiet celebration at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

They had Zoom calls with friends and family to celebrate.

September 2, 2020 - Prince Harry and Meghan announce Netflix deal

Meghan and Harry announced that they would be producing projects for Netflix.

A statement shared by them said:"Our lives, both independent of each other, and as a couple have allowed us to understand the power of the human spirit: of courage, resilience and the need for connection.

"Through our work with diverse communities and their environments, to shining a light on people and causes around the world, our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope."

"As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us, as is powerful storytelling through a truthful and relatable lens.

"We are pleased to work with Ted and the team at Netflix whose unprecedented reach will help us share impactful content that unlocks action."

February 14, 2021 -Prince Harry and Meghan announce they're expecting their second child

The couple announced on Valentine's Day that they were expecting their second child.

The wonderful news comes just months after Meghan revealed her "unbearable grief" after suffering a miscarriage in July, 2020.

March 8, 2021 - Release of their interview with Oprah Winfrey

21

In an interview with Oprah Winfrey the pair revealed Meghan's struggle with her mental health while being part of the royal family.

The couple made a series of shocking allegations such as that an unnamed member of the Royal Family had made a racist comment about the colour of son Archie's skin.

The duke and duchess told TV host Oprah Winfrey during their bombshell interview that they are expecting a baby girl. 

When asked when their baby girl is due, Meghan confirmed "summertime", which means she could arrive after Archie's second birthday in May.

June 4, 2021 - Prince Harry and Meghan welcome their second child Lilibet

On June 4, 2o21, the pair welcomed their baby girl Lilibet Diana Mountbatten Windsor.

A statement about her birth said: "Lili was born on Friday, June 4 at 11:40 a.m. in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, Calif.

"She weighed 7 lbs 11 oz.

"Both mother and child are healthy and well, and settling in at home.

"Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet.

"Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales."

April 16-17, 2022 - The pair attended the Invictus Games

21

Prince Harry and Meghan attended the Invictus Games at the Hague, the Netherlands.

The pair shared a rare public kiss at the opening ceremonies on April 16, 2022.

June 2022 - Prince Harry and Meghan return to the UK for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

21

On June 2, 2022, they made a joint appearance at the Trooping of the Colour ceremony.

However since they aren't senior royals anymore, they did not attend the rest of the senior royals on the balcony.

They also missed the celebrations on Sunday June 4, 2022 due to their daughter's first birthday celebrations at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

September 2022 - The couple attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

21

Prince Harry and Meghan were in London when Queen Elizabeth died at her Balmoral home on September 8, 2022.

Harry jetted to Scotland and arrived at Balmoral after the news of her death became public.

On September 2022, Harry and Meghan greeted well-wishers at Windsor Castle together with Prince William and Kate.

December 8, 2022 - Harry and Meghan's Netflix show drops

The first three episodes of the pairs Netflix documentary series  called Harry and Meghan aired on Netflix.

In the series they shared insides in their romance, family and life as royals.

January 2023 - Prince Harry releases his memoir Spare

21

In January 2023 Prince Harry released his memoir called Spare.

The book is about Prince Harry's life, "chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty."

March 1, 2023 - The couple were evicted from their UK home

Prince Harry and Meghan no longer have a royal residence in England.

It was revealed that Harry and Meghan were evicted from Frogmore Cottage by King Charles.

Their eviction came following the release of Prince Harry's memoir Spare.

The couple handed back their keys on June 28, 2023.

March 3, 2023 - Lilibet was christened in ceremony

The Archbishop of Los Angeles, Rev John Taylor, christened Lilibet during an ceremony at Prince Harry and Meghan's home in Montecito.

It was reported that 30 guests were present including Meghan's mother Doria Ragland and Lilibet's godfather Tyler Perry.

April 24, 2023 - The pair was seen at a Los Angeles Lakers game

21

During a  Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies playoff game, the kiss cam landed on Prince Harry and Meghan.

The couple didn't kiss but they did smile at one another.

May 16, 2023 - Prince Harry and Meghan are involved in a car chase in New York

Paparazzi followed the pair after they left the Ms Foundation Women of Vision Awards.

A photographer who witnessed the incident said the couple’s security team pulled dangerous manoeuvres and blocked streets trying to evade paparazzi.

September 2023 - Meghan joins Harry again for the Invictus Games

21

The pair travelled to Germany to attend the games.

Prince Harry founded the games for injured, sick and wounded service personnel and veterans.

January 23, 2024: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Bob Marley: One Love premiere

21

Prince Harry and Meghan made a surprise appearance in Jamaica for the Bob Marley: One Love movie premiere.

Meghan wore a spaghetti strap top and skirt, while Prince Harry wore a blue suit.

February 16, 2024 - Couple travels to Canada for Invictus Games

21

Meghan and Harry travelled to  Whistler, Canada, for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025's One Year to Go celebrations.

During a visit at the Whistler Sliding Center, Meghan was filming Harry as he went down the skeleton track.

May 10, 2024 - Meghan and Prince Harry travel to Nigeria

21

The pair travelled to Nigeria together after Meghan found out that she was 43 percent Nigerian.

Meghan told :“These trips are about us being able to go out and go and focus on the things that mean so much to us.

"And being able to be on the ground, to us, is what it’s all about."

During their visit, the pair visited the Lightway Academy school, where Meghan gave a speech about the importance of mental health.

May 19, 2024 - The pair celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary

The pair was seen on a double date with friends Brian and Tracy Robbins a night before their anniversary.

It is said they spent the day in private together.