What’s Behind The Fairy Tale Wedding Of Harry And Meghan?

The day Harry proposed to Meghan, which eventually led to their royal wedding on May 19, 2018, at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, marked the beginning of their extraordinary love story. This unique narrative includes an American commoner marrying into British royalty, a storyline that seems straight out of a Disney movie. However, prior to their union, each had individual lives which inevitably led them to this significant moment in time. What was the story leading up to this royal union? How did these two individuals, each from different worlds, cross paths, fall deeply in love and weave themselves into the royal social tapestry?

An Heir To Spare

Upon Harry’s birth, media outlets noted that as the second son of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, the royal lineage was now furnished with both an heir and an “extra heir.” The title that was officially bestowed upon him was the obvious successor to the British monarchy. Prince Harry arrived into the world on September 15, 1984, in St. Mary’s Hospital located in London, England. He was given the comprehensive name of Henry Charles Albert David Mountbatten-Windsor. His mother, affectionately known as Lady Diana Spencer, was escorted to the Lindo Wing of the medical facility in Paddington where she delivered him at 4:20 p.m. His baptism occurred on December 21, 1984, at the esteemed St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie.

Meghan Markle’s Birth

When Harry, the second son of the Royal family, was welcomed into the world, a three-year-old girl named Meghan, living in the United States, took in the spectacle with her mom. Meghan was born on August 4, 1981, making her almost exactly three years older than Harry. Her birthplace was Los Angeles, California, USA, and her parents are Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle. Originally, she was named Rachel Meghan Markle at birth. Her mother is of African American lineage, while her father, Thomas, comes from German, French, and Irish background. Thomas held the profession of a TV Director for photography and lighting, and Doria functioned as a TV studio makeup artist. In fact, it was at this TV studio that the paths of her parents intersected.

Dad Thomas Markle

Meghan’s dad was working as a lighting director and director of photography when Doria caught his eye. They were married in 1979 and had Meghan a couple years later. He received a Chicago Midwest Emmy Award for his work on the show Made in Chicago. He was also a co-recipient of two Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on the TV soap opera General Hospital. He and Doria, Meghan’s mother, were married until they divorced in 1987. A few years later, in 1990, he won $750,000 in the California State Lottery but ended up filing bankruptcy with more than $30,000 debt in 2016.

A Somewhat Typical American Upbringing

Meghan’s upbringing in America was fairly ordinary, far from the royal lineage, with the only exception being her easy transition to the limelight. Her parents separated when she was just six years old. She was raised in Los Angeles in a family with Hollywood connections. Unfortunately, she faced difficulties in acquiring roles due to her biracial identity. As she had once mentioned, “I wasn’t black enough for the black roles and I wasn’t white enough for the white ones.” Meghan pursued her education at Hollywood Little Red Schoolhouse. Moreover, she has older half-siblings, Samantha Markle and Thomas Markle, Jr.

Prince Harry’s Somewhat Proper Royal Upbringing

Over in England, Harry was brought up according to royal regulations, or at least, as much as his mother, Princess Diana, would permit. Diana, highly keen on ensuring her sons were grounded and connected to everyday life as much as the royal protocols would allow. She set a clear example as a very involved mother who prioritized her family over royal obligations. She chose to send her sons to school, as opposed to having them schooled within palace walls. This made them the first royal heirs to be educated at a public school. Away from school, Diana did not prevent her sons from dressing in casual clothes like jeans and baseball caps. She took them for fast food at McDonald’s, queued up with them at Disney, and even used public transportation like buses and the subway.

Meghan Markle’s High School Years

Meghan Markle, raised in Los Angeles and under the influence of Hollywood, received her early education at Hollywood Little Red Schoolhouse. She later went on to finish her high school education at Immaculate Heart High School, a private Catholic institution for girls. After her high school graduation, she pursued further education at Northwestern University in Evanston. Her third year at university saw her interning at the United States embassy in Buenos Aires, which sparked her interest in politics. Unfortunately, her political aspirations were cut short due to her inadequate score in the Foreign Service Officer Test. She later studied abroad in Madrid, Spain. In the end, she completed her studies with a bachelor’s degree, earning a double major in theater and international studies.

Fighting For Women’s Rights At A Young Age

At a very young age of 11, Meghan was concerned after watching a television commercial. The commercial was for a dish washing soap product. She didn’t like that it seemed to put women down, so she wrote a very convincing letter to Procter & Gamble to encourage them to make their commercials more gender neutral. The commercial had said, “Women all over America are fighting greasy pots and pans.” Two male classmates joked that women “belong” in the kitchen. This didn’t set well with young Meghan. She not only wrote the company but also Hillary Clinton, Gloria Allred, and a journalist named Linda Ellerbee. In the end, the tagline was changed because of young Meghan.

Meghan Markle’s Early Years On The Screen

It’s no surprise that a girl from Los Angeles with a father and mother both working for television would have her time in the spotlight. Meghan is most recognized on the big screen as her role of Rachel Zane in the American legal drama Suits. Her first appearance on television was actually a small role that she had playing a nurse in an episode of the soap opera General Hospital. She also had a short stint as a briefcase girl on the game show Deal or No Deal. She had several other small roles from 2002 through 2016 when she appeared on Hallmark in When Sparks Fly, and Dater’s Handbook. In 2020, she was a narrator for the Disneynature film, Elephant.

Meghan Markle’s Private Education

Even though Meghan frequently describes her background as one of modest means, she didn’t exactly grow up impoverished. Their financial situation didn’t limit them when it came to providing her with a top-notch education, which wouldn’t have come inexpensively. Meghan’s schooling, which started at age five, took place in private institutions. Her early educational years were co-educational, shifting to a girls-only private Catholic high school. Yet, even with a challenging upbringing marked by her parents’ divorce and enduring racial prejudice from a young age, she persevered. Her mother was of African descent, a descendant of slaves, while her father was of European origin.

Foretelling Of Her Future

At the age of 15, Meghan made a trip to London as an ordinary tourist. She and her companion took a photograph in front of Buckingham Palace, unaware that Harry, who was 12 at the time, was inside the palace. This picture somewhat predicted her future as Harry’s wife. At the time, she had no idea that one day, she would be wedded, be residing, and raising a family within the ornate walls captured in that picture from her trip.

Harry In William’s Shadow

Since the moment it was announced that the Royal family had not just an heir but also a backup, Harry has always walked in the shadow of his elder brother, Prince William. He was frequently seen as the spare sibling. However, this worked to his advantage as he had the liberty to explore and live his life without the pressures associated with being the future king, unlike his brother William. Most of the media attention was fixed on William, the future monarch, often leaving Harry unnoticed. Harry confided to journalists about feeling overlooked due to the heavy focus on his elder brother.

Mum Princess Di And Her Boys

Prince Harry enjoyed spending time with his mother and elder sibling William, who frequently integrated him within non-regal social circles. From a tender age, Harry began joining his parents during their official visits. His first international trip was to Italy in 1985, when he was less than a year old. Princess Diana also ensured to carry her sons along during her visit to Niagra Falls. At the age of approximately 7, Harry witnessed the Canadian side of the Falls — the country where he and his future wife would eventually reside.

Death of Princess Diana of Wales

Harry found joy in his mother’s company, a sentiment that was reciprocated by Princess Diana. Cherishing the moments with her sons, she yearned for them to comprehend the reality of life beyond their noble status. Diana’s aim was to ensure her sons did not grow up to be arrogant. Consequently, she often took them along to various places, including the AIDS clinic where she offered her time as a volunteer and advocated for the unwell. Regrettably, on August 31, 1997, Diana became a victim of a fatal car accident instigated by the paparazzi who chased her vehicle off the road. Harry had not even reached his thirteenth birthday when he had to attend his mother’s funeral.

Prince Harry and Prince William At The Funeral Of Diana, Princess of Wales

Harry had encountered adversity early in his life. At the tender age of eight, his parents decided to part ways. Now, at just twelve, he faced an even more grave situation. His parents, who had once seemed to be the epitome of royal perfection, had finalized their divorce the previous year. His father would eventually find love again with Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, but that was still eight years in the future. At this moment, he was bidding farewell to a woman who was his strongest support and who he held in deep affection. Forced to mature quickly, he was on the precipice of adulthood without the opportunity to truly traverse the adolescent years.

Prince Harry Grew Up

By June, 2003, Harry had completed his formal education at Eton. He took a gap year and traveled to Australia to work on a cattle station as well as Lesotho to work with orphaned children. While he was there, he also produced a documentary film, The Forgotten Kingdom. When he returned, he entered the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and joined the Alamein Company. In 2007, he was deployed to Iraq. By 2008, he was flying helicopters like his brother, father, and uncle had done. In 2012, he arrived at Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan as a co-pilot and gunner on an Apache helicopter. His life was threatened by the Taliban, but he continued to pursue his military career. On January 17, 2014, Harry had completed his attachment to 3 Regiment Army Air Corps and took up a staff officer role in a London district.

Meghan Markle Was Growing Up

Meghan Markle, who was three years ahead, was simultaneously dealing with her own personal evolution. After graduating from college and securing various on-screen roles, she began dating American film producer, Trevor Engelson, the same year Prince Harry decided to take a gap year post high school. The year 2011 saw Meghan tying the knot in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, but the marriage concluded in a friendly no-blame divorce just two years later. Shortly after, she entered into a relationship with renowned Canadian chef, Cory Vitello, which concluded a month after she met and started dating Prince Harry.

Two Worlds Apart Come Together

Prince Harry and American Meghan Markle were worlds apart, but they were about to come together as one. This bi-racial divorcee from the United States was about to collide with the royal heir to spare from Wales. She was writing her own lifestyle blog called The Tig and trying to make her mark in the fashion world and as an actress. She released two fashion collections based on her own personal style, with a Canadian clothing company, Reitmans. She had grown up with a passion to change the world, yet it was her world that about to change in a very unexpected way.

The Invictus Games Started A Romance

A few years prior to crossing paths with Meghan, Prince Harry initiated the Invictus Games, an athletic competition similar to the Paralympics, designed specifically for injured military men and women. Harry was known for his passion for sports, particularly polo, skiing, and motocross, in addition to being a fan of Rugby football. When not involved in or observing sports, he had a reputation as a bit of a notorious bachelor, thus no one anticipated him falling for a woman from America, a change that was going to transform his life irrevocably. The path of Meghan and Harry’s love story began in June 2016, and, by September 2017, they stepped out together for their debut royal public engagement at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada.

They Met On A Blind Date

In July 2016, Harry and Meghan’s paths first crossed when they were arranged for a blind date by a mutual acquaintance who believed they would make a great couple. E! News speculated that their friend Violet von Westenholz was the one who played cupid, although the real identity of the matchmaker remained a subject of disagreement among experts. Some believed it was fashion designer Mischa Nonoo. Violet, who was Harry’s childhood friend and a baron’s daughter, had become acquainted with Meghan through public relations work for the fashion brand Ralph Lauren. Meghan had already established herself in the London social circle by that time.

The Matchmaker Revealed

In an interview with BBC, Prince Harry nearly revealed the name of the special friend who organized his first blind date. The person turned out to be Violet von Westenholz, the matchmaker. Violet, being the offspring of a high-ranking baron and a close acquaintance of Harry’s royal father, Prince Charles, is part of Harry’s intimate friend group since his childhood. Even more intriguing is the fact that Violet’s younger sister, Victoria, was once rumored to be one of Prince Harry’s romantic interests during his bachelor’s partying days.

First Date

Before they made their first official public appearance at the Invictus games, Meghan and Harry had their first meeting. It was a blind date that had been set up by a mutual friend, Violet. Violet knew Meghan since she had been dressing her with Ralph Lauren’s fashions for a promotional shoot for the show Suits. She immediately knew that Meghan would be the perfect match for her childhood friend, Harry. Violet had given Harry Meghan’s number. He trusted his friend and gave Meghan a call to see if anything could come of it. The two agreed to meet and go on their first date at London’s Soho House.

This Was The One

Harry had always been known as something of a ladies’ man, seemingly destined to remain a lifelong bachelor, so it was rather surprising when he met a woman who made him consider settling down. He was instantly smitten with this captivating American, who was attractive, vivacious, and passionate. She was unlike any other woman Harry had been involved with before. However, there were a few hurdles to clear. For example, earlier that summer, Harry had been discreetly seeing Sarah-Ann Macklin, a British model. Yet, Harry was certain he had finally discovered his one true love.

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Engaged

The formal declaration of Meghan and Harry’s engagement occurred on November 27, 2017. The imminent mixed-race union was a source of enthusiasm for many. However, others expressed cynicism owing to Meghan’s American nationality, bi-racial heritage, and status as a divorcee, marking a significant departure from royal protocols. Despite the diverse opinions, one consensus among the press was that Harry’s mother would have been delighted by his choice of spouse, given her upbringing of Harry to accept and respect common folks. Nevertheless, for Harry and Meghan, their decision was underpinned purely by their deep love for each other.

The Secret Relationship Of The Prince

Before the engagement, the two had managed to successfully keep their relationship secret. For four months, they saw each other under the radar. They spent several days at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, other days relaxing in Kensington Palace garden. Prince Harry even flew to Toronto to visit Meghan while she was filming the show Suits. The two were inseparable and never spent more than a couple weeks apart. She would travel to the UK to spend a few days and then take the red-eye back to Toronto. Astute Instagram followers may have guessed at a few subtle hints like a bouquet of peony flowers next to that hashtag of #London.

Tabloids Can’t Leave The Royal Family Alone

With tabloids and paparazzi that have been so obsessed with the Royal family, their intimate secret could not last forever. It didn’t take long before a British tabloid, the Express blew their cover in a big way to share the news with an awaiting public. On Halloween of 2016, the headline made the announcement, “His Majesty’s pleasure: Prince Harry secretly dating U.S. TV star Meghan Markle.” This headline was only the beginning of many to follow. Some were downright rude and pointed out how different Harry’s choice in women was from his brother William’s choice of Kate Middleton, who presents herself in more of a traditional princess-like manner.

Harry Enraged By Reporters

Prince Harry had a very tumultuous relationship with paparazzi, whom he blamed for the death of his mother. Now, they were coming after his girlfriend. By November, 2016, Harry had become enraged by the way reporters were painting the image of Meghan and their relationship. Some compared her to a gangster lifestyle from Los Angeles. The racial undertones and sexism made Harry speak out saying they had crossed a line and that he had become worried about Meghan’s safety. Prince Harry and Meghan later sued the parent company of the tabloid, The Mail on Sunday after saying, “I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditized to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person. I lost my mother, and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.”

Meghan’s Introduction To Royalty

Meghan Markle confessed that prior to meeting Harry, she didn’t carry too many preconceived ideas about him due to the fact that they were raised in contrasting environments across separate continents. Being an American, she had a different perspective and lacked detailed knowledge about the royal family. She wasn’t deeply familiar with Harry, considering she was three years his senior and came from the United States. She primarily desired kindness in a life partner. When their paths did finally cross, both of them felt an instant connection and spark. While discussing her philanthropic activities with World Vision, she expressed, “My cup runneth over, and I’m the luckiest girl in the world!” Little known to the public then, Harry had by that time already introduced her to his father.

Tuning Out The World

When word of their romance became public, the press coverage and conjectures were harsh. Harry confessed that the ongoing legal fights to keep the media from disseminating damaging stories about their relationship, and about Meghan herself, were exhausting. Despite Meghan’s acting career, many believed she was accustomed to tabloid gossip, but she had never encountered such rumors before. Even Prince William, Harry’s sibling, expressed his support for his brother’s pursuit of privacy. The couple made the choice to disregard all published content, positive or negative, and concentrate on fostering their relationship instead.

More Hints At Romance

After their initial first date that had proven to be very successful, the two were able to keep their relationship private for about four months. By December, 2016, astute fans noticed that Meghan was wearing a gold necklace that featured the letters, “M” and “H”. Later the same month, the two were seen together picking out a 6-foot Christmas tree. They were observed walking through the Soho area looking at Christmas lights displayed throughout the Piccadilly Circus. They were also seen in London’s West End holding hands as they headed to watch the Tony award-winning show, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime.

Before They Say, “I Do”

The couple was progressing wonderfully in their relationship, but they needed to cross several hurdles before they could officially tie the knot. Meghan had already secured the approval of Harry’s father, but meeting the Queen was necessary too. A negative response from the Queen about their marriage could prove to be a massive hindrance. However, they were relieved when the Queen gave her complete blessing. She was thrilled to witness Harry’s affectionate relationship. Meghan later shared her delight about how pleasant it was to interact with her not as a daunting monarch, but as Harry’s grandmother.

A New Year And The Northern Lights

Harry and Meghan, who have been openly dating for several months, celebrated New Year’s Eve together in London. After the beginning of the new year, Harry organized a heartfelt trip to Norway. This was their first getaway as a couple. They lodged with Harry’s confidant, Inge Solheim, at his high-end residence. Harry had meticulously planned the trip, striving to make it as exceptional and passionate as possible. During their stay, they had the delightful experience of seeing the Northern Lights. Can you imagine anything more enchanting than that?

Time To Meet The Rest Of the Royal Family

Following an exceedingly enjoyable and fruitful discussion with the Queen, who wholeheartedly endorsed their companionship, and receiving a green light from Prince Charles, his father, the next step was introducing Meghan to the rest of the Royal family. Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte, the wife and daughter of Harry’s brother, were the next ones to meet Meghan. Reports suggest Kate found Meghan quite charming. They now enjoyed the official endorsement and warm acceptance from all members of the Royal family. Their bond was becoming tighter and their romance more intense. They ventured on another journey, this time to the nuptials of Harry’s childhood buddy, Tom “Skippy” Inskip.

Transformation From An American Girl To A Princess

While the pair was rapidly moving toward a future together and husband and wife, before she could be dubbed as a Princess, Meghan would have to make many changes. First, she shut down her lifestyle website, The Tig. She also announced that she would be retiring from acting. She then began the very lengthy process of becoming a British citizen. She would also need to be baptized and confirmed into the Church of England. She proceeded to successfully check off every qualification. She was baptized in a private ceremony using water from the River Jordan. The ceremony took place in the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace.

Preparation For The Royal Wedding

Meghan and Harry were well on their path towards matrimony. Meghan had quickly met all the stringent criteria set by the Royal family. The subsequent move was to arrange the Royal Wedding. Her initial wedding was more of a low-key destination event. But this time, it was a grand spectacle to be viewed by millions on television, besides those present at the church. Her decisions now had to be based not just on her personal preferences as a bride but also on societal expectations. The gossip magazines were set ablaze by the anticipation, with a few still choosing to spread negative rumours. However, the majority of the public was buzzing with excitement.

Meghan’s Mother Arrives

Similar to any future bride, her mother was going to play a crucial role on her significant day. Speculations were rife regarding the presence of her father. Ultimately, he didn’t attend. However, her mother was her pillar of strength. She was revered as a distinguished guest. Doria Ragland, having successfully navigated her way through college, emerged as a social worker and a yoga teacher. She had traversed a challenging path since her union with Meghan’s father disintegrated. This African American woman, originating from a lineage of slaves, was on the verge of becoming the mother to a princess.

The Royal Wedding Day Arrives

The long-awaited day had eventually come to pass. On May 19, 2018, not entirely two years after their initial encounter, they were formally wedded. The ceremony was broadcasted globally. Both were conferred their official designation, however, numerous people continue to address them as Prince Harry or Princess Meghan. His formal title is His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, while Meghan’s is Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. Their romantic journey resembled a fairy tale, illustrating the transformation of an American girl into a Princess.

Prince Harry Married At Last

At the time of their regal nuptials, Harry was aged 33 while Meghan was 36. The marriage ceremony was held at St. George’s Chapel within Windsor Castle. The anticipation was high, with everyone waiting to see Meghan’s dress choice. Some were also eager to see Harry’s reaction as his bride made her way down the aisle. The wedding was an incredibly gorgeous spectacle. It captivated tens of millions of global viewers who tuned in to witness the pair’s union. The event was graced by many celebrities, including Oprah, David and Victoria Beckham, and not to forget, the entire Royal family.

Meghan Markle’s Wedding Dress

Being the center of attention, she was aware that she had to appear stunning. Harnessing her background in the fashion and acting industries, she mastered the art of moving down the aisle with charm and sophistication. Her choice of attire was a dazzling Givenchy dress, paired with a somewhat conventional long veil. The matrimonial ceremony was steeped in customs and filled with romantic poetry. She opted for an elegant white bouquet. Prior to the nuptials, they had individual rings tailor-made. Harry custom-designed Meghan’s ring, incorporating a couple of small gemstones from his mother’s collection. Her ring was carved from Welsh Gold, while his was made of platinum. Following the wedding, they also participated in a carriage procession through Windsor.

A Second Wedding Dress For The Reception

In line with the customs of many Royal brides, Meghan sported multiple dresses during her big day. After she wore her primary wedding dress, she switched to a different outfit for the reception. This attire was fashionable; a long halter gown designed by Stella McCartney. Similar to Meghan, Harry swapped his Royal military uniform for a tuxedo complete with a bow tie for the reception, which was held at Frogmore House. Throughout the event, they commemorated Princess Diana. All of Diana’s siblings attended the ceremony, with one sister performing a reading. Harry personally selected the flowers for Meghan’s bouquet, ensuring it included Forget-Me-Nots, which was a favourite flower of Princess Diana.

The Wedding Party

Meghan decided to incorporate ten bridal attendants into her wedding ceremony, which included her now niece and nephew, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The vows they recited didn’t include the traditional promise “to obey.” Following their vows at Westminster Abbey, they waved to the masses of well-wishers during a carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace. The Queen hosted a luncheon at St. George’s Hall for hundreds of attendees, where they enjoyed entertainment provided by Elton John. Later in the evening, a reception was held at Frogmore House for around 200 guests. Instead of the usual fruit cake, they served a lemon elderflower cake.

Harry And Meghan’s First Home

Before getting married, Meghan resided in Harry’s old single abode located within the palace premises, a place he had stayed at for many years prior to their acquaintance. After tying the knot, the couple initially took up residence in Nottingham Cottage, situated within the confinements of Kensington Palace in London. Eventually, they relocated to Frogmore Cottage, nestled in the Home park of Windsor Castle. Funds from the Sovereign Grant were utilized for the renovation of their cottage, undertaken by the Crown Estate. However, the Duke later compensated for the renovation costs. The couple had been delighting in their newly revamped home ever since. Prior to their occupation of Frogmore Cottage, they resided in a spacious five-bedroom house in Windsor.

Meghan’s First Public Appearance

Meghan started performing her duties vigorously even before her formal induction into the Royal family. Prior to her marriage, she graced a total of 26 public events. Following the official declaration of her engagement with Harry, Meghan made her inaugural public appearance as his fiancée. The couple teamed up for a World AIDS Day walkabout in Nottingham on December 1, 2017, marking Meghan’s first public event. She accommodated herself quite well and progressed to her first regal event alongside the Queen during the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, in March of the subsequent year. Later that same month, Meghan and Harry pleasantly surprised the folks of Northern Ireland by paying them a visit.

First Married Public Royal Event

Only a few days following their Royal wedding, Meghan and Harry were spotted at a public event – a garden party honoring the charitable endeavors of the Prince of Wales. Not long after, a trip to Dublin, Ireland marked another joint excursion for the duo. By October that same year, the pair were off to Sydney, Australia for the Invictus Games, where they decided to reveal Meghan’s first pregnancy. A visit to Morocco followed a few months after, with their focus being on promoting female empowerment by way of girls’ education and fostering female entrepreneurship.

High Profile Instagram Account

Defying conventional norms, the pair often made choices independent of traditional expectations, consistently proving themselves to be trailblazers. This trait was exemplified when they established an Instagram account in 2019. Their account set a record by garnering one million followers in record time. Instagram, a platform that Meghan previously utilized to promote her fashion blog and document personal milestones, facilitated their social media forays. However, Meghan had caused a stir and generated controversy earlier when she uploaded a photo of two bananas nestled together, after a gossip magazine revealed their relationship.

Raised As A Gentleman, Married To A Feminist

These two have consistently been the talk of the town. Harry, nurtured with plenty of tradition and etiquette, learned early on to treat women with respect. Meghan, on the other hand, grew up with an intense passion for women’s rights and feminism. In a swift snap by a photographer, Meghan’s empowerment for women was captured beautifully. Amidst rain, it was Meghan, not Harry, who handled the umbrella to shield him. Meghan has dedicated her life to promoting women’s power. As a vocal advocate of feminism, she planned to leverage her role in the royal family to further women’s rights and social justice.

Splitting From The Royal Foundation

Before tying the knot, Meghan was present at the inaugural forum of The Royal Foundation with Harry. Post marriage, she joined the foundation as its fourth patron along with Harry, his brother and Kate Middleton. However, by June 2019, the couple commonly known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex disclosed their decision to exit The Royal Foundation charity to form their own philanthropic organization. Despite the split, they pledged to work jointly on common undertakings, such as the mental health initiative, Heads Together. This exit marked one of their initial actions to distance themselves from their royal duties.

Time Magazine Most Influential

Even though tabloids continue to offer rumors and less-than-flattering stories about the couple, overall Harry and Meghan have been well received worldwide. She is staying true to her promise to use her position to help empower women. In 2018, Time Magazine listed Meghan as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. She was also put on their shortlist for their Person of the Year. Additionally, she was chosen by the British Vogue magazine in the UK as one of the most influential women. Powerlist also included her on their list of 100 most influential Britons of African and Afro-Caribbean descent.

Additional Royal Titles

Apart from the titles bestowed upon them by the Queen during their nuptials, the couple holds various other extended designations. Meghan became a British princess when she wed Prince Harry and was also honored with the designation of Royal Highness. Her complete formal title became Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex, and his, The Duke of Sussex. In fact, she was the initial bearer of the Duchess of Sussex title. Other titles attributed to Meghan include Countess of Dumbarton and Baroness Kilkeel. Before their wedding, he was known as His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, along with The Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel.

First American Royalty Since 1936

Meghan’s marriage to Harry marked her as the first American to wed a British royal since the union of Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII in 1936. Unlike the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Harry didn’t have to give up his position on the throne to marry Meghan, his American bride. Wallis Simpson, an American socialite, became the wife of the Duke of Windsor, formerly King Edward VIII of Britain. Both Wallis and Meghan had been married before, but Wallis was twice divorced before she ascended to royalty as the Duchess of Windsor, setting her apart from Meghan. This historical American figure was the inaugural Duchess of Windsor.

Chicken To Say Will You Marry Me?

Meghan Markle has a passion for cooking and identifies as a food enthusiast. One of her treasured recipes is roasted chicken, which she often makes for special meals and brings to dinner parties. She refers to this dish as a “game changer”, stating that it has helped her to make many friends. In a frank interview, she revealed that the memorable dish was a part of the evening when Prince Harry proposed to her, suggesting that the chicken dish will continue to play an important role in future gatherings.

The Proposal

The evening when Harry offered his hand in marriage to Meghan was indeed extraordinary. As many are aware, Meghan’s much-loved chicken dish played a role. However, that was not the sole highlight of the night. They were mid-way through preparing her renowned chicken for dinner when Harry, out of nowhere, bent down on one knee. Meghan was so thrilled that she didn’t even wait for him to complete his proposal before eagerly asking, “Can I say yes now?” The proposal was so unexpected that Harry completely overlooked the ring. But rest assured, later on, Harry presented a uniquely crafted ring that paid tribute to his late mother.

Poppies Have Meaning

For this couple, poppies carry significant emotional value. She even incorporated the blossom into her bridal veil. Meghan’s wedding veil was brimming with meaningful symbols. She carefully selected a fabric that had 55 different flowers stitched onto it. Each of these flowers symbolized the 53 Commonwealth nations, along with additional embroideries of wintersweet and the California poppy. She picked these blooms to signify the profound meaning of Harry and Meghan’s union. Wintersweets, that grow near their first shared residence at Nottingham Cottage after their marriage, and the poppy, which is the state flower of Meghan’s home state California, were also chosen. Additionally, her ring bore its own symbolism, with a diamond hailing from Botswana, Africa.

Who Would Walk The Bride Down The Aisle?

Meghan had initially planned for her father to escort her down the aisle. However, as her wedding day approached, her dad’s actions were deeply disappointing to her. The actual events were somewhat ambiguous, with tabloids narrating one version of the story while Meghan refuted most or all of the allegations. Ultimately, Thomas Markle couldn’t make it to the royal wedding, leaving Meghan questioning who would fill that important role. In the end, it was Prince Charles who assumed the honor. He accompanied Meghan partially down the aisle, and when he locked eyes with his son, Prince Harry mouthed his gratitude.

The Markle Effect

Not only did Meghan Markle have an extensive acting career, but she was also highly skilled in the fashion industry. Her aptitude in both domains played a significant role during her romance with Prince Harry. Meghan was always very present in her Royal duties, even before officially joining the Royal family. Her dress sense was continuously captured by photographers, wherever she and Harry would appear, making them a global sensation. Everything she wore seemed to instantly become a trend as soon as she was spotted in it. For instance, when she revealed her pregnancy with Archie, she chose a white Karen Gee sheath dress. The mass rush to own the same dress later led to the Karen Gee website crashing that very day.

The Royal Couple Gave Low-Key Gifts

Following tradition, the Royal pair went about organizing presents to distribute on their marriage day. It might be presumed that such a high-profile duo would hand out extravagant presents, but Meghan and Harry deviated from this presumption. They decided to distribute goodie bags filled with modest keepsakes. Inside each bag were a plain chocolate gold coin, a fridge magnet, a water bottle, and a bit of shortbread. They also included a discount voucher for 20% off at the Windsor Castle gift shop. Nevertheless, despite the economical nature of the gifts, the wedding expenses approximated 32 million British pounds, which was covered by Harry’s kin.

Expecting Baby Royalty

Even on their wedding day in May 2018, there were whispers hinting that the couple were expecting a baby. However, a visible baby bump wasn’t noticed until many months later. It wasn’t until October 15, 2018, that an official statement was released. The statement indicated that the couple was expecting a baby the following spring. The formal announcement from Kensington Palace read, “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to confirm that The Duchess of Sussex will be having a baby in the Spring of 2019.” The message continued to convey the immense happiness of the newly married couple.

The Pregnant Duchess

Meghan, akin to numerous expectant mothers, was often observed placing her hand on her stomach at public gatherings, a beloved gesture signifying her pregnancy. She was also often captured in photos flaunting her pregnant belly. However, she received much criticism, some accusing her of doing so merely to gain attention and photo opportunities. There were even unfounded speculations spreading that she wasn’t genuinely pregnant. Some social media users shared these views using hashtags like #Megxit and #DuchessofDeception, alluding to the conspiracy theory that she might be fake-pregnant using a belly pillow to feign carrying a royal baby. Another point of criticism aired was directed towards the couple’s insensitivity for announcing their joyful pregnancy news during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness week.

Animal Lovers

Meghan has always possessed a great fondness for animals. Both she and Harry had the experience of pet ownership during their upbringing. Harry had the joy of having multiple puppies to hug and play with while a handful of other animals are featured in royal family images. During her residency in Toronto, Meghan looked after two dogs that were rescued. The younger dog, known as Guy, made the journey to England with Meghan when she relocated. Unfortunately, her older dog, Bogart, was left behind in Canada due to his age and flight complications. This implies that the couple has embraced Guy as a part of their family. Furthering their love for pets, they added to their furry family in 2018 by adopting a Black Labrador Retriever.

Charity Work Bonds Them Together

Clearly, this duo has a comprehensive experience spanning from luxury fashion and nobility to extensive periods devoted to philanthropy. Their shared passion for charity work united them from the beginning. They have significantly contributed to numerous charities globally. For instance, she held the position of Global Ambassador for World Vision Canada and took part in a Clean Water Campaign in Rwanda. Moreover, they established a not-for-profit organization called Archewell, which was their initial charitable project without the support of their royal titles or financing. Their commitment towards aiding others continues undeterred, guided by their empathy and generosity.

The List Of Exes

Meghan had previously tied the knot before, with an ex-spouse in her past, unlike Harry, who remained single during the years prior to their encounter. Harry’s line of former partners surpasses Meghan’s, featuring personalities like a Burberry model, a dancer from Strictly Come Dancing, and an X-Factor singer. Notable names in his past such as Ellie Goulding, Camilla Thurlow, Cressida Bonas, Florence Brudenell-Bruce, Caroline Flack, Mollie King, and Chelsy Davy have been mentioned in his love life chronicles. An important name to note is Sarah Ann Macklin, who was in a relationship with Harry before Meghan entered his life. Both however, have clarified that it was not as intense a relationship as the press suggested.

Baby Archie Is Born

The couple made a significant announcement on May 6, 2019, stating that Meghan had gone into labor in the early hours of the morning. She was transported to Portland Hospital in London, where she gave birth to the new royal progeny. They later made public the arrival of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Meghan’s decision to deliver at this location strayed from the usual choice of the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. Moreover, she declined to have pictures taken on the hospital steps immediately after the birth. The happy couple chose to debut their newborn Archie at a press conference at St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle.

Archie Is Christened

Harry and Meghan shared further unexpected revelations. The pair disclosed their preference not to use the title Earl Dumbarton for Archie. They also decided against the styling of him as Lord Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, opting for Master Archie instead. The Royal duo chose to christen Archie during a private ceremony attended only by immediate family. They refrained from publicizing the names of the godparents. Since their first meeting, the couple has decided to keep various aspects of their lives confidential, including the identities of their son’s godparents.

So Far Archie Is An Only Child

The pair are incredibly proud parents. Meghan frequently takes to her Instagram account to display Archie to the world. It’s common for her to juxtapose pictures of Archie, herself, and Harry at the same age to determine who Archie resembles more. Sadly, during the summer of 2020, Meghan divulged that she had suffered a miscarriage, which would have resulted in their second child. The unfortunate incident occurred in July 2020 when Meghan, who was 39 years old at the time, sadly lost her pregnancy. The loss was excruciating, during which she recalled Harry’s hand, moist from tears, as she remained by his side in the hospital. It was particularly distressing to witness her husband grapple with the tragic news.

Archie’s First Christmas Card

For their son Archie’s inaugural Christmas, Meghan and Harry partook in a formal photo session. The purpose of the session was to select a picture for their seasonal greeting cards. Once the session concluded, they knew immediately which image they wanted to use. The chosen image prominently featured their seven-month-old son inspecting the camera, with his parents seated near a festively adorned Christmas tree in the backdrop. The image, with Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor at the front, brought joy to numerous fans. However, some criticized Meghan, accusing her of using Photoshop to accentuate her own face.

Leaving Royalty Behind

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle surprised the world with an Instagram post on Wednesday, January 8, 2020. They shared their choice to step back from their senior roles in the royal family. Many were astonished as people admired their fairy-tale-like journey. In their statement, they revealed plans to pursue financial independence while remaining committed to fully supporting Queen Elizabeth II. They also expressed gratitude for their followers’ support. Their decision, however, sparked disappointment among many. This marked the beginning of their transition away from formal royal obligations towards a lifestyle that offered more independence.

A Change Of Titles

Prince Harry has not technically been a formal prince. He and Meghan were bestowed with the royal titles of His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. When they revealed their decision to step back from their royal responsibilities, it was requested that they also surrender the His and Her Royal Highness segment of their titles. Nevertheless, they still hold onto their official Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles. Despite their decision, they have emphasised their continued support for the Queen. They have simply decided to forge their own livelihood outside their roles within the Royal Family.

Meghan’s First Post-Royal Project

After they had announced their separation and forfeiture of royal titles, the two moved to Canada. In March, 2020, Meghan had announced that she would be taking part in her first post-royal project. It would be to narrate Disneynature’s documentary, Elephant. The documentary was released on April 3, 2020 and was intended to support elephants through donations funded by Disneynature and the Disney Conservation Fund. The donations would be given to Elephants Without Borders in Botswana. Additionally, the two delivered food through Project Angel Food for residents of Los Angeles during the pandemic. She has also been vocally in support of the BLM Black Lives Matter movement.

A New Life Outside Of Royalty

After renouncing their royal titles, the couple relocated to Canada. There were some unforeseen challenges due to an unexpected global pandemic, but they remain steadfast in their efforts towards self-sufficiency. Along with their previous titles, they equally renounced the stipends given to them for fulfilling their duties as high ranking royals. Nowadays, they are mainly known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their working, living, and tax conditions are now officially tied to both Britain and Canada. Meghan, together with Archie, moved to the Vancouver region first. In July 2020, they made a home in Santa Barbara. They have also inked a long-term lucrative contract with Netflix, in addition to a variety of other planned ventures.