As late October 2016 rolled around, British tabloids began reporting that the redheaded royal had found love with the American actress. The pair was successful in remaining under-the-radar for the first few months of their relationship, but Harry and Meghan's secrecy didn't last long.
An E! News source described their romance as "serious" in early November, adding that Harry, 32, isn't necessarily the type to take things slow. "It wouldn't surprise me if he's already thinking about engagement just because that's where his head goes, but that's not where the relationship is at right now," our insider shared. "This is totally Harry. The problem with Harry is when he falls, he falls hard. He goes in big time."
The Suits star was photographed for the first time only a week after news of the high-profile relationship broke while leaving her home in Toronto.
On November 8, 2016, Kensington Palace confirmed their boyfriend-girlfriend status while defending the L.A.-based celeb from a "wave of abuse and harassment" over her race and gender on social media. The unprecedented statement continued, "Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her. It is not right that a few months into a relationship with him that Ms. Markle should be subjected to such a storm."
The brunette beauty was photographed in November shopping at a Whole Foods Market not far from Kensington Palace's Nottingham Cottage, where Kate Middleton and Prince William used to reside. Markle reportedly stayed with Harry during her quick trip across the pond.
Thousands of miles separated Meghan and Harry on Thanksgiving 2016, as the latter was tending to official duties in the Caribbean. As for Markle, she celebrated with family in Los Angeles and documented the fun-filled gathering on Instagram.
After a 14-day tour of the Caribbean, Prince Harry jetted off to Toronto for some "private time" with Markle before the holidays. "Harry has been traveling and wanted to make time to see Meghan," a source revealed at the time. "They wanted their time together to be private."
The lovebirds were filled with holiday cheer while purchasing their first Christmas tree together at Pines and Needles in London. An eyewitness told E! News they appeared in "good spirits" and ultimately decided on a $65 Nordmann Fir tree.
The very first photos of Meghan and Harry were published in mid-December after the duo enjoyed a night out at the Gielgud Theatre in London. An insider told The Sun, "They were clearly not afraid to be seen in public together."
Joined by his security team, Prince Harry personally escorted his leading lady to London's Heathrow Airport as she prepared to catch a flight back to North America less than a week before Christmas.
As 2016 came to a close, Prince Harry and Markle watched the clock strike midnight in London before traveling to Norway for a few days. According to multiple outlets, the lovebirds caught the historic Northern Lights, enjoyed whale-watching and sunsets in the snow. "Harry is truly in love," a source told E! News around that time. "They're very serious."
Then in early March, the duo met up in Montego Bay, Jamaica for Prince Harry's best friend Tom Inskip's wedding to Lara Hughes-Young. Meghan looked so in love while chatting with her beau at their assigned table, dressed in a navy, floral maxi dress and gold jewelry.
E! News obtained exclusive images of the royal making a covert entrance at his girlfriend's Toronto residence just before Easter in April.
Photographers caught the typically reserved couple sneaking in a smooch at the Audi Polo Challenge in early May. It marked the first public event they've attended together, and Markle was spotted cheering on her man as he competed in a charity match.
Pictured here at the aforementioned London polo match, Meghan—busy filming her USA drama—received yet another special visit from Harry in June. "They hadn't been together for a while, so it was exciting for both to see each other," our source shared. "Harry had planned to fly out this time as he felt it was unfair for Meghan to always be the one flying around, and she'd just come back from the U.S."
To much anticipation, Meghan made a major splash at Pippa Middleton's May 21, 2017 wedding to James Matthews. She skipped out on the official ceremony, but arrived by Harry's side for the evening reception.
An insider close to the beloved royal told E! News in July 2017 he was "fast approaching" an engagement with Markle. "Engagement talk isn't just between the two of them, even some of Harry's closest aides are quietly expecting news before the end of the year," the source dished.
On Oct. 12, 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly traveled to Buckingham Palace to meet for tea with Queen Elizabeth ll. According to the Daily Mail, Prince Harry "desperately" wanted his grandmother to meet his girlfriend.
As speculation mounted that the couple was secretly engaged, on Nov. 27, 2017, Clarence House announced that Harry had proposed to Meghan earlier in the month. A wedding is set for the spring of 2018.
Rewind to November 27, 2017 when the royal couple stepped out at Kensington Palace where all eyes were on that ring. Meghan said she was feeling "so happy," while Harry was "thrilled" and "glad it's not raining."
Back on December 21, 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released their official engagement portraits shot by photographer Alexi Lubomirski
Back in February of 2018, Meghan Markle had her first official engagement with Prince Harry. The pair joined Prince William and Kate Middleton on a panel to discuss their work and vision for The Royal Foundation.
On April 21, 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle enjoyed date night at Queen Elizabeth's star-studded 92nd birthday party. Shawn Mendes, Kylie Minogue and Sting were just some of the special performers.
On May 19, 2018, the couple tied the knot at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in the most anticipated wedding of the year.