Love Story of Meghan and Harry: A look at their love story, from the first blind date to today.
Love Story of Meghan and Harry
Late June/Early July 2016 – The blind date
Meghan and Harry were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend in late June/early July. They never confirmed exactly who it was that set them up, but many rumors have been going on since it was revealed the first time. They had their first date in Soho’s Dean Street Townhouse – one of Soho House’s London spots. The consultant for the Soho House Group, Markus Anderson, has been friends with Meghan for years.
In the royal documentary “The Queen of The World”, Meghan revealed she was wearing blue that night! Watch the clip below!
During their sit-down interview after the engagement was announced, Meghan said that she didn’t know much about Harry or the royal family before the date.
“Because I’m from the States, you don’t grow up with the same understanding of the royal family,” she said. “I didn’t know much about him, so the only thing that I had asked our mutual friend when she said that she wanted to set us up, was, ‘Well, is he nice?’ Cause if he wasn’t kind, it just didn’t seem like it would make sense.”
About the date, Harry said: “I was beautifully surprised when I walked into that room and saw her. I was like, I’m really going to have to up my game here.”
We know the date went very well, actually so well that they decided to meet the next evening as well. In an interview with James Corden on “The Late Late Show with James Corden” in February 2021, Harry recalled how amazed he was of Meghan after the second date:
“The second date I was starting to think: This is pretty special,” Prince Harry told the host.
Before leaving London in mid-July, Meghan posted this photo on her Instagram:
Love Story of Meghan and Harry
August 2016 – Botswana camped out with each other under the stars
Things moved after the second date where Harry invited Meghan to accompany him on a trip to Botswana. “I managed to persuade her to come and join me in Botswana and we camped out with each other under the stars,” he said in their engagement interview. “Then we were really by ourselves, which was crucial to me to make sure that we had a chance to get to know each other.”
Watch the conversation below:
September 2016 – The bracelet secret
Before the news broke out that they were dating, Meghan and Harry were spotted wearing matching bracelets on several occasions.
Today, you can even buy identical versions of the matching bracelets on Etsy!
Meghan snapped a selfie while sitting clutching a coffee cup, adding the caption: “#TBT to my solo trip to @sfhmembers #treatyourself #UK #sohofarmhouse #farmhouse.”
It is believed that the bracelet was a gift from Harry to Meghan. He was seen wearing the bracelets for the first time in March 2016 – before he met Meghan.
October 31, 2016 – The news broke out
The Sunday Express’s Camilla Tominey revealed Meghan and Harry’s relationship. The article stated that a source told her “The romance is in its early stages, but it’s no exaggeration to say he’s besotted with her.” And that Harry is “ happier than he’s been for many years”
The source added that:
“He’s in a very relaxed period of his life and Meghan has come along at the right time. They are taking each week as it comes and just enjoying each other’s company but it’s fair to say that they love seeing each other and there’s a definite chemistry between them. Harry has been desperate to keep the relationship quiet because he doesn’t want to scare Meghan off. He knows things will change when their romance is public knowledge, but he also knows he can’t keep it a secret for long.”
On the same day, Meghan posted a sweet photo on her Instagram of two bananas spooning, possibly hinting at the new love in her life.
It was reported that Harry was visiting Meghan in Toronto where she was filming Suits at the time news of their relationship broke.
Of this period, Meghan said during the engagement interview: “We had a good five, six months almost with just privacy, which was amazing.”
November 1, 2016 – Meghan meets Charles
The Vancouver Sun published an interview with Meghan promoting her collection for retailer Reitmans. She didn’t really mention Harry by name, but she happily said: “So, my cup runneth over and I’m the luckiest girl in the world!”
Around the same time, it was also reported that Meghan met Harry’s father, Prince Charles.
November 8, 2016 – Harry release statement defending Meghan
Harry confirmed his relationship with Meghan in a formal statement pleading the press and trolls on social media to stop the “wave of abuse and harassment” that had been directed at her. According to Harry, he has been involved with “nightly legal battles” to stop the media from publishing defamatory stories about Meghan and their relationship.
You can read the full statement below
During their engagement interview, Harry revealed that both he and Meghan were taken aback by the media scrutiny. “I think both of us were totally surprised by the reaction.”
Many assumed that Meghan would be prepared for the onslaught of attention because of her background as an actress – but in the interview she said:
“There was a misconception that because I have worked in the entertainment industry that this would be something I would be familiar with. But I’ve never been part of tabloid culture. I’ve never been in pop culture to that degree and lived a relatively quiet life. I think we were just hit so hard at the beginning with a lot of mistruths that I made the choice to not read anything, positive or negative. It just didn’t make sense and instead we focused all of our energies just on nurturing our relationship.”
November 9, 2016 – Meghan spotted shopping in London
The day after the statement, Meghan was spotted shopping at Whole Foods in London, and returning to Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace.
November 18, 2016 – Meghan shares a Mahatma Gandhi quote
Meghan shared a Mahatma Gandhi quote on her Instagram, which many people interpreted as a response to Harry’s statement on their relationship.
November 28, 2016 – Prince William supports Harry
A few weeks after Harry’s statement, Prince William issues a statement supporting Harry’s. Prince William also released the statement to clear up rumors that he was unhappy with his brother’s decision to open up about his relationship. A portion of the statement reads, “The Duke of Cambridge absolutely understands the situation concerning privacy and supports the need for Prince Harry to support those closest to him.”
December 7, 2016 – Meghan wears a necklace with a special message
Meghan was photographed in Toronto holding a bouquet of flowers and wearing a 14-carat gold chain bearing the initials “H” and “M” by The Right-Hand Gal. The company is created by two sisters and is based out of Montreal and Toronto in Canada. The company, which is rooted in women’s empowerment, was thrilled when they received the necklace order from Meghan herself in October 2016.
One of the sisters, Randi Harlich said: “We knew her as Meghan from Suits. Nobody knew the ‘H’ was for Harry. We thought maybe she had a dog that it would stand for or a new boyfriend, but we never imagined it would be for Prince Harry. When she stepped out wearing it, we knew we were part of royal history. This was her subtle way of telling the world that they were together.”
December 12, 2016 – Meghan and Harry Christmas three shopping
Harry and Meghan were spotted shopping for a Christmas tree at Pines and Needles in Battersea, London.
According to the staff at the store, they looked very happy together and walked off holding hands adding: “They came in at about 8.30 pm last night. Prince Harry was with Meghan and hilariously the staff only recognized Meghan at first – they were so excited to have the girl from Suits there. It wasn’t particularly cold, but they were gloved and hatted out.”
Store manager John Wilkie said Meghan spoke with server Zaqia Crawford – a fellow American – about missing food from home. “They came in to buy a tree, they were looking at trees and I went over to help them pick the tree,” he said adding: “They knew exactly which tree they wanted – it wasn’t exactly a long process. They were friendly, really nice… I didn’t know it was them at all.”
Harry was recognized by staff members Ollie Wilkinson and Cian Llewellyn, who offered the couple some mistletoe. They said: “we said, ‘would you like this mistletoe’ and she (Meghan) said ‘yes that would be great.” – “Then he walked off with the tree on his shoulder, holding her hand, and she was holding in her other hand a bunch of mistletoe.”
Credit: Pines and Needles
December 16, 2016 – First pictures of Meghan and Harry together
Finally! – Meghan and Harry were spotted in public together for the first time, while on a date to see a play on London’s West End. The couple saw the hit play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Gielgud Theatre.
December 19, 2016 – Harry drops Meghan off at Heathrow Airport
Harry personally escorted Meghan to London’s Heathrow Airport. Harry was surrounded by five police protection officers while airline staff guided Meghan to her gate. “Meghan was laughing and smiling but didn’t say anything,” an eyewitness says. “When she arrived, she was the last to board the flight.”
January 2017 – Meghan and Harry enjoy a Norway getaway
After spending New Year’s in London, Meghan and Harry went on a romantic trip to Norway. Harry planned the romantic getaway so that the two could catch the Northern Lights. According to Norwegian media reports at the time, they stayed at the luxurious Tromvik Lodge, which gives panoramic views of the Norwegian Sea and the northern lights.
January 10, 2017 – Meghan met Kate for the first time
When Meghan and Harry returned from their Norway trip, they went to Kensington Palace so that Meghan could meet Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. During the meeting, Meghan gave Kate a leather notebook as a late birthday present. It’s also reported that princess Charlotte was present and that she loved Meghan.
February 2, 2017 – Pictured leaving Soho House
Meghan and Harry went for dinner at Soho House in London. They were spotted leaving the place holding hands
March 3, 2017 – Wedding in Jamaica
Meghan and Harry traveled together to Montego Bay, Jamaica to attend the wedding of Harry’s childhood friend Tom “Skippy” Inskip. Meghan was Harry’s plus one to the wedding as he served as one of the ceremony’s 14 ushers. The wedding reportedly took place at exclusive resort The Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay. It was later revealed by one of the attendees, that the two were incredibly “joyful” during the wedding festivities, and seemed very much in love.
April 7, 2017 – End of “The Tig”
Meghan shut down The Tig, her food- and travel-focused lifestyle website after 3 years. In a letter addressed to her “Tig friends,” she wrote: “After close to three beautiful years on this adventure with you, it’s time to say goodbye to The Tig. What began as a passion project (my little engine that could) evolved into an amazing community of inspiration, support, fun, and frivolity. You’ve made my days brighter and filled this experience with so much joy. Keep finding those Tig moments of discovery, keep laughing and taking risks, and keep being ‘the change you wish to see in the world.’ ”
April 14, 2017 – Easter in Toronto
Harry flew to Toronto to spend Easter weekend with Meghan. He was seen slipping into Meghan’s home from the backdoor wearing a baseball cap arriving under the cover of darkness with a duffel bag slung over his shoulder.
May 8, 2017 – Audi Polo Challenge
Meghan was spotted cheering on Harry at the opening day of the Audi Polo Challenge, held at Coworth Park, from the cosy comforts of the Audi suite over afternoon tea and champagne.
And a kiss was spotted
May 20, 2017 – Pippa Middleton’s wedding
Meghan was back in London for Pippa Middleton’s wedding, arriving days ahead of the festivities. While Meghan did not attend the ceremony, she did reportedly go to the reception. A source revealed that Meghan stayed in London (about an hour-and-a-half away from the ceremony in Englefield) during the church service and was going to be picked up by Harry after the morning service. It’s a three-hour roundtrip, so Harry had a very busy day.
August 2017 – Botswana for Meghan’s birthday
Meghan and Harry traveled to Botswana in August 2017 for a romantic getaway in celebration of Meghan’s 36th birthday. Over the course of their three-week vacation, they visited Botswana and finished their travels at the stunning Victoria Falls.
Meghan and Harry shared some more photos from the trip in their SussexRoyal Instagram page 2019
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv2HM4mBGT8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
October 2017 – Meghan open up to Vanity Fair
Meghan spoke openly about their relationship for the first time in the October 2017 issue of Vanity Fair. She said:
“We’re a couple. We’re in love. I’m sure there will be a time when we will 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’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.” Adding that: “It has its challenges, and it comes in waves—some days it can feel more challenging than others. Right out of the gate it was surprising the way things changed. But I still have this support system all around me, and, of course, my boyfriend’s support.”
September 24, 2017 – Invictus Games opening Ceremony
Meghan attended the opening ceremony of Harry’s Invictus Games. Meghan was seated next to her friend Markus Anderson a section away from Harry, who watched the proceedings alongside First Lady Melania Trump and Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
September 25, 2017 – Meghan spotted in red the day after the opening cermemony
The day after the opening ceremony, Meghan was spotted arriving at her house in Toronto, with Take Away. She was wearing a red Erdem dress.
September 26, 2017 – Finally!
Finally! After more than a year of dating, Meghan and Harry attended a wheelchair tennis match during the Invictus Games in Toronto. They were seen holding hands, whispering to each other, and smiling.
September 30, 2017 – Attending the Invictus Games closing ceremony
Meghan and Harry attended the Invictus Games closing ceremony alongside her mother, her friends Markus Andersson and Jessica Mulroney! They were all seated in a private box at the Air Canada Centre, watching Bruce Springsteen, Kelly Clarkson, Bryan Adams, and more perform.
Credit: WENN Rights Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
Before the couple enjoyed the show, Prince took the stage to congratulate the athletes. While he was addressing the audience, Meghan was in the stands with her mother. At this point, Harry has met Meghan’s mother Doria several times. “Her mum’s amazing,” Harry said during the engagement interview.
Credit: Reuters / Alamy Stock Photo
Some snaps from the night with a Harry who can’t stop kissing Meghan on the cheek (love it):
Beginning of November 2017 – The proposal
During their engagement interview in November 2017, Harry said: “It happened a few weeks ago, earlier this month, here at our cottage; just a standard typical night for us.” Putting the proposal date at the beginning of November.
Meghan revealed that it was “a cozy night, it was. What we were doing was just roasting chicken and having…” Harry then interrupted Meghan and said: “Roasting a chicken, trying to roast a chicken.” Meghan then went on “… Trying to roast a chicken and it was just an amazing surprise, it was so sweet and natural and very romantic. He got on one knee.” Meghan then admitted that she didn’t even give Harry enough time to finish his question before she interrupted with: “Can I say yes now?”
Love Story of Meghan and Harry
November 13, 2017 – End of Suits
In mid-November, it was revealed that Meghan’s role in “Suits” would be coming to an end. Though she was one of the original cast members on the show – which first aired in June 2011 – and was featured in 107 episodes, the last episode with Meghan appeared on the screen in April 2018 at the end of the show’s seventh season with an onscreen wedding just before tying the knot with Prince Harry in real life.
During their engagement interview Meghan said:
“I don’t see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change. It’s a new chapter, right? And also, keep in mind, I’ve been working on Suits for seven years. We were very, very fortunate to have that sort of longevity on a series,” she said, adding, “I’ve ticked this box, and I feel very proud of the work I’ve done there, and now it’s time to work with Harry as a team.”
Love Story of Meghan and Harry
Credit: PictureLux / The Hollywood Archive / Alamy Stock Photo
November 27, 2017 – The engagement was announced
Their engagement was finally announced! The joyous news was broken by Kensington Palace on social media, with a statement reading:
“His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle are engaged to be married. The Prince of Wales made this announcement this morning: His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle.”
It continued saying:
“The wedding will take place in Spring 2018. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course. His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle’s parents. The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace.”
I really enjoyed making this timeline – hope you liked it as well. Anything that surprised you? Let me know
What a beautiful timeline!! It can be difficult to look back at these happy times without thinking about the horrible times that followed but Meghan and Harry’s love continues to inspire me and countless others!
They deserve all the happiness their hearts can hold. Haters will die in their hatred because these two are forever.
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