How Prince Harry fell for Meghan Markle: the story of their romance in pictures
IT’S the ultimate fairy tale romance – the glamorous American actress marries the handsome British prince.
Now the world has finally been told that Prince Harry, 33, will wed Meghan Markle, 36, in spring next year.
The couple announced their engagement this morning and set the date for Spring 2018.
The confirmation comes after a weekend of speculation after bookies suspended betting on a royal wedding.
Meghan had already moved her beloved pet dogs and belongings to Britain, and pulled out of Thanksgiving celebrations in Los Angeles to be in London for the big announcement.
Here we take a look at the royal couple's love story...
The spooning bananas
Glamorous Meghan first met Harry last year after being introduced by mutual friend Markus Anderson at central London’s Soho House in early June.
Reports claim Harry – who had “lusted” after Meghan’s Suits character Rachel Zane for two years – was immediately smitten and besieged the American with texts until she agreed to a date.
The pair met in London several times, with Meghan papped in the Royal Box at Wimbledon, and in Los Angeles after Harry treated her to a weekend at his best friend’s house in the Hollywood Hills.
In October, the first hint that the couple were dating emerged when Meghan posted a snap on Instagram of her wearing a blue beaded bracelet.
Harry was pictured wearing the same bracelet during his summer trip to Africa, where he reportedly picked it up.
After that the trinket rarely left Meghan’s wrist.
On November 1, 2016, Meghan uploaded a featuring a picture of two canoodling bananas, with the caption: “Sleep tight xx”.
It’s official
Harry confirmed their relationship on November 8 – and made an unprecedented appeal via Kensington Palace for them to be left in peace.
Royal fans took that as a sign of how serious it is between the pair, with a pal confirming it had “moved very fast and they can’t bear to be apart”.
That awkward moment in Antigua…
During an official visit to the Caribbean nation on November 21, Prime Minister Gaston Browne teased Harry by announcing: “I believe we are expecting a new princess soon.
“I want know that you are very welcome to come on your honeymoon here… there will be nowhere in the world as special to spend your honeymoon, when that day arrives.”
Apparently the prince was “clearly embarrassed” and “went bright red”. Aww…
Public dates
In December, we brought you the first pictures of the loved-up pair strolling through London on their way to West End show The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.
They even wore his-and-hers beanie hats as they admired the festive lights along Piccadilly.
The day before, they were reportedly spotted buying their first Christmas tree together in south London.
In January, the couple enjoyed a romantic first holiday together after Harry whisked Meghan to Norway to see the Northern Lights.
The following month we revealed that the couple were photographed hand-in-hand again on yet another date in the capital.
The couple went for dinner at Soho House, where they first met.
Meeting the family
Harry was reported to have gained the blessing of Meghan’s dad, Thomas, before the pair went public.
On January 15, Harry introduced Meghan to the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte at Kensington Palace.
In March she joined Harry at his mate’s wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where he was an usher.
But onlookers said THEY were the couple behaving most like honeymooners...
Wedding bells?
Suggestions that the couple were soon to tie the knot were ramped up a gear when Meghan shut down her lifestyle website The Tig after nearly three years.
Having described it as her “passion project”, reports stated that the actress’ decision was related to her busy filming schedule and humanitarian work.
The car park clinch
While Harry took part in the annual Audi Polo Challenge in Ascot, Meghan was snapped planting a smacker on his cheek in the car park.
The same weekend she was spotted cheering on her man from the sidelines.
Harry’s desperate dash
Despite being invited, Meghan was notably absent from Pippa Middleton’s wedding to James Matthews in May earlier this year, apparently to avoid upstaging the bride.
But clearly keen to have his girlfriend by his side, Harry made a 100-mile round trip to pick her up from Kensington Palace and escort her to the party at the Middleton’s home in Bucklebury.
Now that's romance.
The crown jewels
In June it was reported that Harry gave Meghan a gold ring - which turned out to be too big, so she wore it on her thumb.
He previously gifted her a Cartier Love bracelet, a Maya Brenner necklace with the initials “M” and “H,” and a gold arrow ring.
The birthday safari
With both sharing a mutual love of animals, Harry treated Meghan to a romantic African holiday for her 36th birthday.
He was snapped putting a protective arm around his girl as they arrived, while she carried a gift from him swathed in bubble wrap.
A source said: “Obviously he wants to show Meghan what an amazing place it is and create new memories together.
“Harry’s done a lot of conservation work in Africa with endangered elephants and black rhinos and he’ll show them to the woman he wants to marry.”
Another pointed out that he wanted to “associate August with something joyful,” referring to the anniversary of his mum Princess Diana’s death.
The couple’s holiday destination in Botswana is hugely popular for engagements and honeymoons – so was it here that he popped the question?
That loved-up interview
In September, Meghan opened up to Vanity Fair about being “really happy and in love” with her prince.
She confirmed they met in the summer of 2016 and dated quietly for six months.
Meghan also said “there will be a time” when they’re more prepared to share their life with the public, but for now they want to keep things private.
She added: “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.”
So do we!
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The first official public appearance
In September Meghan joined Harry at the annual Invictus Games in Toronto, where she lives and films Suits.
Despite the fact they sat 18 seats apart, she was spotted cheering on her fella during the opening ceremony.
The next day they sat together for a Wheelchair Tennis event – and the pictures spoke volumes.
Harry even flew out Meghan’s mum Doria 2,500 miles from LA to join them for the occasion – and planted an affectionate kiss on his girlfriend’s cheek while watching the closing ceremony.
So cute!
Earlier this week Meghan was spotted Christmas shopping with a friend in Chelsea, fuelling speculation of a winter holiday with Prince Harry after she emerged from a beachwear store.
Could it be to celebrate their happy news?
