Royals

From secret dates to #Megxit: A definitive timeline of what’s happened since Duchess Meghan joined the royal family

A lot can happen in three years.
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When news broke that Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan were stepping back from royal duties, it was hard not to think about how much has changed since the couple first started dating in secret back in 2016.

After what has been dubbed ‘Megxit’, we thought it was time to take a look back at the Sussex’s eventful last three years that led to such a royal bombshell.

October 20, 2016

News breaks that Prince Harry is dating Suits star Meghan Markle.

The pair met at London’s Soho House in July after being set up on a blind date by their mutual friend Misha Nonoo.

November 8, 2016

Harry publicly attacks the British media over its abuse and harassment of his girlfriend.

Harry and Meghan made their public debut as a couple at the 2017 Invictus Games.

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November 27, 2017

The couple reveal they are engaged after Harry proposed while Meghan roasted a chicken at home.

February 28, 2018

Harry and Meghan join forces at a public engagement with William and Kate – the media dub them the “awesome foursome”.

WATCH BELOW: Meghan talks about “hitting the ground running” with her charity work. Post continues after video…

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May 19, 2018

Harry and Meghan marry at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle and become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

March 14, 2019

Rumours of a rift between Harry and William emerge after the Sussexes split from Kensington Palace to form their own royal household.

April 3, 2019

The couple move into Frogmore Cottage after taxpayer-funded renovations that reportedly cost around $5 million.

May 6, 2019

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor is born in London. The couple opt not to give him a royal title and insist he be called Master Archie.

Unlike his paternal cousins, Archie does not have a royal title.

(Getty)

June 20, 2019

Harry and Meghan confirm they are splitting from the Royal Foundation charity with William and Kate to start their own initiative, Sussex Royal. It is later revealed it will officially launch in 2020.

October 1, 2019

Meghan sues a UK paper, alleging a private letter to her father was published illegally. It’s believed this action was not sanctioned by the Queen.

In 2019, the couple started to drift away from the rest of the royals.

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November 14, 2019

The duke and duchess confirm they will not spend Christmas at Sandringham with the royal family. It is later announced they are taking a six-week break, and they spend the holidays in Canada.

January 8, 2020

Harry and Meghan announce in a statement they are stepping back as “senior” members of the royal family and are “working to become financially independent”.

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