The Complete Timeline of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry's Relationship

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement news has taken the world by storm. With a royal wedding set to take place in May 2018, the former Suits actor and her royal fiancé's relationship is in the spotlight. Here, all the important moments in Markle and Harry's relationship you need to know.

July 2016

Markle and Harry are introduced by a mutual female friend. Of the blind date, Harry told the BBC, "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."

Markle concurred: "I think very quickly into that, we said, 'Well, what are we doing tomorrow? We should meet again.'"

And for Harry, it was love at first sight: "We met once, then twice, back-to-back—two dates in London, in the beginning of last July." During the photo call for their engagement, he told reporters he knew Markle was the one "the very first time we met."

August 2016

Following their magical first dates, Harry and Markle's schedules keep them apart longer than they would've liked. As Harry revealed in the couple's interview with the BBC upon announcing their engagement, "It was three, maybe four, weeks later that I managed to persuade her to come join me in Botswana, and we camped out with each other, under the stars. She came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic. 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."

October 2016

Publications start reporting that Prince Harry is dating Markle, and that the relationship has been going on in private for several months. According to the Sunday Express, a source reveals that Harry is "besotted" and “happier than he’s been for many years."

November 2016

Kensington Palace issues a statement in which Markle is referred to as Harry's "girlfriend." The statement decries the "abuse and harassment" that she faced since news of her relationship with the royal surfaced. Kensington Palace says, "Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle's safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her."

In the same month, Prince William releases a statement supporting Harry's concern for Markle. It reads (via The Telegraph), "The Duke of Cambridge absolutely understands the situation concerning privacy and supports the need for Prince Harry to support those closest to him."

December 2016

Prince Harry and Markle are photographed together for the first time, out in London having seen the West End show The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. According to TIME, Harry and Markle are also spotted Christmas tree shopping in London at the Pines and Needles store.

January 2017

According to Us Weekly, Harry introduces Markle to The Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte: "Meghan’s so happy she’s getting to know more of Harry’s nearest and dearest."

February 2017

Markle and Harry are spotted holding hands while out on a date in London. According to The Sun, Markle has "virtually moved in" with Harry at Kensington Palace at this point. They go for dinner at the Soho House in London, where Marke's friend Anderson Markus works. The dinner date is apparently (via The Sun) "as low-key as possible" as they stayed in a "small snug area of the restaurant."

March 2017

Markle is Harry's date to the wedding of his close friend, Tom "Skippy" Inskip, Montego Bay, Jamaica. Harry and Markle are photographed together on the beach, and they look so happy together.

May 2017

Markle and Harry are spotted kissing at a polo event in Ascot, England. Harry plays in the match, while Markle cheers him on. Markle apparently attends another match the next day to support her beau for a second time.

Later in May, Harry allegedly drives 100 miles to pick up Markle from London to take her to the evening wedding reception of Kate's sister, Pippa Middleton, as she marries James Matthews.

August 2017

According to E!, Harry and Markle travel to Botswana together, presumably on the first anniversary of their first trip there. The trip is also to celebrate Markle's 36th birthday, and a source tells Us Weekly that Harry "was thrilled to bits that he could introduce her" to several of his friends on the trip.

September 2017

Markle speaks to Vanity Fair about her relationship with Harry. Of the prince, she says:

Also in September, Harry and Markle are spotted at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada, along with Markle's mom, Doria Ragland. The couple is seen holding hands and kissing.

According to Us Weekly, Markle is introduced to Harry's grandmother, the Queen, in September, and the meeting goes well.

November 2017

Harry and Markl's engagement is announced by Kensington Palace via their Twitter account.

The announcement follows news that Markle has quit Suits and left Toronto for London full time.

Markle and Harry appear for a photo call in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace just hours after the engagement announcement was made on Twitter.

During a public appearance at London's Foundling Museum following the announcement, Kate Middleton says (via People) "William and I are absolutely thrilled. It’s such exciting news. It’s a really happy time for any couple and we wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this happy moment."

Harry and Markle give a joint interview on the BBC, in which they reveal details of how they first met on a blind date.

The following day, Markle and Harry's wedding venue is announced as being St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, with the wedding due to take place in May 2018.

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