Royals

From show-stopping outfits to normalising the PDA: See Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s best royal moments over the years

A right royal journey.
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They do say all good things must come to an end, and for Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry, the phrase could not ring any truer.

When the red haired royal and famed Hollywood actress commenced their whirlwind relationship in 2017, it almost felt like it was too good to be true.

So perfectly content did they seem with each other, and so undeniable was their chemistry that the world instantly fell in love with the glamorous duo.

Their wedding in May 2018 was nothing short of a fairytale, and Meghan’s pregnancy announcement less than six months later was the cherry on top of what was an already perfect pie.

But boy did we not know what we were in for.

In the months following, extreme scrutiny and tabloid gossip became rife as the couple forged ahead with their royal duties.

The toll it took was clearer than ever – both Meghan and Harry felt a strain that was only heightened as they welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison in May 2019.

This led them to their announcement on January 9, which laid out their intentions to step back from their roles as senior royal family members and commence a transitional period into becoming financially independent.

As confirmed by the Queen herself, the official date of said transition was March 31, 2020, with a 12 month trial period to follow to ensure everyone was happy with the new arrangement.

Of course, it wasn’t the news we wanted to hear – we’ve become all too accustomed with seeing Meghan step out in a jaw-dropping new dress, or adorable new pictures of baby Archie appearing on our newsfeeds via their official royal Instagram account.

But as mentioned, all good things must come to an end so we’ve decided to highlight their greatest royal moments together over the years.

Keep scrolling for a nostalgic look back at why this royal couple were a true – and memorable – force to be reckoned with.

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At the 2017 Invictus Games

Let’s start right back at the very beginning – September 2017 when Prince Harry and the soon-to-be Duchess Meghan stepped out in public or the very first time as a couple at the Invictus Games, held in Canada. Meghan’s chic Misha Nonoo shirt and Mother jeans were a sign of good things to come on the fashion front.

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Prince Harry & Meghan Markle announce engagement

Of course, no one would then forget the moment that came two months later – Meghan and Harry announced their engagement with an official photo call that will go down in recent royal history as an iconic turning point – the former Hollywood actress was to become the first African American to join the royal family in living memory.

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Prince Harry & Meghan joke about during their engagement interview

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Meghan joins royal family for Christmas

And the debut moment we’d all been waiting for, Meghan attended the annual Christmas Day church service alongside Kate, Wills and her fiancee Harry – and thus, the origins of the Fab Four commenced.

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The pair’s first official joint appearance

In January 2018, Meghan and Harry made one of their first official joint appearances on the job, visiting the Reprezent training programme in London on January 9. Meghan’s cosy oat-coloured coat, designed by Smythe Brando was one of many in her heavenly winter collection.

Prince Harry & Meghan in Cardiff

And thus also began the age of the royal PDA – spearheaded unknowingly by Meghan and Harry. During an official visit to Cardiff, south Wales in January 2018, the pair couldn’t have looked more in love.

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A visit to Edinburgh Castle

Of course, we couldn’t have a Meghan and Harry gallery without this tartan moment that further instilled our belief that Markle is a fashion influencer for the ages. We’ll just be over here waiting for winter and recreating this dream Burberry look in the meantime.

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Prince Harry & Meghan tied the knot in May 2018

In the ultimate fairytale moment, the pair married at St George’s Chapel, Windsor in May 2018. Meghan’s boat-neck Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy design also set the precedent for wedding dress trends in the months – and years! – that followed.

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Prince Harry & Meghan exchange vows

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Wedding day snapshot

Of course, we can’t forget her second outfit of the day either – the newly minted Duchess opted for a chic high neck Stella McCartney design, accessorised simply with an aquamarine ring that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.

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A visit to Admiralty House

If their whirlwind wedding wasn’t enough, it was only a few months later (October 2018 to be exact) that the couple announced they were expecting their first child. The news came on the very first night of their overseas tour of Australia. Stepping out at Sydney’s Admiralty House the next day, the couple couldn’t have glowed more.

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Prince Harry & Meghan are given their first baby gift

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A night out in Australia

The world, AKA fashion enthusiasts, were impressed when Meghan and Harry stepped out to attend the Australian Geographic Society Awards in Sydney a few days later. The pregnant Duchess’ Dior creation was the stuff dreams were made of.

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New Zealand tour

During the same leg of their royal tour Down Under, Harry and Meghan visited New Zealand, where their wholesome forest walk in Rotorua became synonymous with the couple’s shared love for the environment. You’ll probably recognise this iconic backdrop in the promotional imagery they’ve since shared as they continue to support environmental causes.

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Met with NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

We’re just going to leave this image of Meghan, Harry and Kiwi PM and inspiration to the masses Jacinda Ardern here. It speaks for itself, really.

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2018 Christmas festivities

Meghan’s growing baby bump was out in force as she and Prince Harry attended the annual Christmas day church service at Sandringham – a year on from their initial debut. Oh how a lot can happen in a year!

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Canada House visit

In one of her final appearances before giving birth, Meghan was radiant in a regal green Dior ensemble as she and Harry visited Canada House on Commonwealth day, March 2019. It marked one of the last times we saw the royal couple together before they became parents.

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Welcome Archie!

Lo and behold, on May 6, the pair welcomed their first child – a boy named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Posing for their first photos as a family of three, it’s safe to say we were besotted – just like the new parents.

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Prince Harry & Meghan reveal the name of the royal baby

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The royal couple attend the Lion King premiere in June 2019

In a serendipitous return to the red carpet, Meghan took a short break from maternity leave in June 2019 to attend the premiere of the Disney live action remake of The Lion King. Wearing a heavenly Jason Wu design, there was no denying that new-mum glow from the Duchess.

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Royal tour of Africa

In a surprise move, Harry and Meghan made a public appearance with baby Archie during their royal tour of Africa in September 2019. As expected, fans immediately jumped on the ‘who does he look like?’ game – and we couldn’t help but noticed some striking similarities to Harry as a baby.

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91st Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in November 2019

In November, the pair attended a Remembrance Day ceremony at Westminster Abbey – one of their final appearances of the year before they travelled to Canada to spend a low-key Christmas with their son Archie.

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Endeavour Fund Awards 2020

Stepping out together for the first time since their shock announcement two months later, Meghan and Harry were positively glowing as they attended the Endeavour Fund Awards. The couple had briefly flown back to London to wrap up their final royal engagements before formally stepping back and commencing their new life in North America.

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Commonwealth Day 2020

Wrapping things up with a fizz and a bang, Meghan channelled superhero chic in a green Emilia Wickstead design as she and Prince Harry attended their final formal engagement as senior royals. What a way to go!

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Candid moment

Archie’s starring role! This week royal fans delighted in the news the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting their second child. The news comes after Meghan Markle revealed she suffered a miscarriage last year.

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