Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: The Story of a Royal Romance

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have captured the attention of the world ever since they announced their engagement in 2017. The couple’s love story is nothing short of a fairy tale, with a Hollywood actress falling in love with a British prince. But their relationship hasn’t been without its challenges. From intense media scrutiny to the decision to step back from royal duties, Meghan and Harry’s journey has been anything but smooth sailing. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of their relationship, explore the challenges they’ve faced, and take a look at what the future might hold for the couple.

Introduction

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry first met in 2016, when a mutual friend set them up on a blind date. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, the couple hit it off immediately and quickly fell in love. They announced their engagement in November 2017 and were married in a lavish ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle in May 2018.

Since then, Meghan and Harry’s relationship has been in the public eye, with intense media scrutiny and speculation surrounding their every move. In January 2020, the couple announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family and move to North America, citing the intense media scrutiny as one of the reasons for their decision.

Meghan Markle’s Background

Meghan Markle was born in Los Angeles in 1981. Her mother, Doria Ragland, is African American, while her father, Thomas Markle, is of Dutch and Irish descent. Meghan attended Northwestern University, where she studied theater and international relations, before embarking on a successful acting career. She is best known for her role as Rachel Zane in the TV series Suits.

Prince Harry’s Background

Prince Harry, born Henry Charles Albert David in 1984, is the younger son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana. He attended Eton College before joining the British Army, serving two tours of duty in Afghanistan. Harry is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his involvement with the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded, injured or sick armed services personnel.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s First Meeting

Meghan and Harry were introduced by a mutual friend, reportedly fashion designer Misha Nonoo, in July 2016. They met for a drink at a London restaurant and hit it off immediately, with Harry later describing the evening as a “blind date that turned into a camping trip.” The couple kept their relationship out of the public eye for several months, with Meghan only acknowledging their relationship in an interview with Vanity Fair in 2017.

The Early Stages of their Relationship

Once their relationship became public, Meghan and Harry faced intense media scrutiny, with many tabloids speculating about the future of their relationship. Despite this, the couple remained strong and were often seen out and about in public together. They also faced challenges in their relationship due to the long-distance nature of their work, with Meghan based in Toronto for the filming of Suits and Harry based in London. However, they managed to make their long-distance relationship work, with Harry often flying to Toronto to visit Meghan on the set of her show.

The Royal Engagement

In November 2017, after months of speculation, Meghan and Harry announced their engagement. The prince proposed to Meghan during a cozy night in at their Nottingham Cottage in Kensington Palace, getting down on one knee with a stunning engagement ring featuring a diamond from Botswana and two smaller stones from Princess Diana’s collection.

The Royal Wedding

The couple tied the knot in a spectacular ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. The wedding was a star-studded affair, with guests including Oprah Winfrey, David and Victoria Beckham, and George and Amal Clooney. Meghan wore a stunning gown by British designer Clare Waight Keller, while Harry donned his military uniform.

The Challenges of Royal Life

Despite the fairytale wedding, Meghan and Harry’s life as senior members of the royal family was far from easy. Meghan faced intense media scrutiny and racism, with some tabloids publishing damaging stories about her family and upbringing. Harry also struggled with the intense media attention, particularly given his traumatic childhood and the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in a car crash in 1997.

The Birth of Archie

In May 2019, the couple welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The birth was a moment of joy for the couple, but it also led to renewed media attention and speculation about the baby’s name and upbringing.

The Decision to Step Back from Royal Duties

In January 2020, Meghan and Harry announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family and become financially independent. They also revealed their plans to split their time between North America and the UK. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some applauding the couple’s desire for privacy and independence, while others criticized their decision as a snub to the royal family.

Moving to America

In March 2020, the couple moved to Meghan’s hometown of Los Angeles, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning to take hold. They initially lived in a mansion owned by Tyler Perry, before buying their own home in Montecito, Santa Barbara.

The Oprah Interview

In March 2021, Meghan and Harry sat down for a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they revealed the extent of the challenges they faced as senior members of the royal family. Meghan spoke candidly about her struggles with mental health and the racism she faced within the institution, while Harry revealed his strained relationship with his family and his concerns about their treatment of Meghan. To view the full interview click here.

The Birth of Lilibet

In June 2021, Meghan and Harry welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. The couple said that the name was a tribute to both Harry’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, whose family nickname is Lilibet, and his late mother, Princess Diana.

What the Future Might Hold

Meghan and Harry’s future remains unclear, but the couple has spoken about their desire to continue their philanthropic work and build a life of financial independence. They have signed lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, and are set to launch a range of projects, including documentaries, podcasts, and children’s programming. The couple has also hinted at their desire to have a third child, but have not confirmed any plans.

Archewell Foundation

In addition to their work as public figures, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have also established the Archewell Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting empathy, compassion, and service in communities around the world. The foundation was officially launched in April 2020, and is named after the couple’s son Archie. Its mission is to create impact in areas such as mental health, education, and social justice, through partnerships and innovative programming.

Since its launch, the foundation has announced several partnerships and initiatives, including a podcast series with Spotify, a documentary series with Netflix, and a mental health guide for National Mental Health Awareness Month.In addition to these programs, the Archewell Foundation has also been active in fundraising efforts, with a focus on supporting organizations working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s relationship has been marked by challenges, but also by a deep commitment to each other and to their values. From their early days as a couple to their decision to step back from royal life, Meghan and Harry have shown a willingness to buck tradition and carve out their own path. Despite the intense media scrutiny and public attention, they have remained steadfast in their commitment to each other and to their vision for a better world.

Unique FAQs

For more love stories click here