A decade has passed since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle first connected on Instagram, beginning a relationship that has greatly influenced the monarchy. Initially keeping their relationship private, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex went public about three months later, resulting in significant attention. Today, they reside in America, with Harry working to mend ties with the monarchy they departed from. Simultaneously, King Charles III’s popularity has increased unexpectedly.
Harry and Meghan’s relationship has defined the monarchy, though not as expected. Early discussions focused on Meghan potentially modernizing the monarchy. However, their departure from royal life shifted conversations towards the potential impact on the monarchy’s future, especially after their 2021 Oprah Winfrey interview. A decade in, they remain in the news, with discussions about a possible return to the monarchy.
2016: A Royal Connection Begins
According to Harry’s memoir, ‘Spare,’ he first messaged Meghan on Instagram on July 1, 2016, on Princess Diana’s birthday. He noticed Meghan in a video shared by a mutual friend, asking for an introduction. Harry described Meghan as exceptionally beautiful, viewing the video multiple times before contacting her. During this time, Meghan was in Toronto filming ‘Suits,’ while Harry was at Kensington Palace. Their relationship went public in late October 2016, leading to widespread media coverage.
Harry addressed the negative media attention directed at Meghan through a statement from the Kensington Palace communications secretary on November 8. It criticized the wave of harassment and abuse Meghan faced, mentioning incidents ranging from racial and sexist commentary to attempts at illegal entry into her home.
2017: Engagement and Media Scrutiny
Speculation about a wedding grew throughout the year, culminating in their engagement announcement on November 27. Meghan shared details of Harry’s proposal during a cozy night in, calling it a sweet and natural surprise. Meghan also expressed how unfamiliar she was with tabloid culture despite her entertainment industry background. Her first royal engagement occurred on December 1 in Nottingham.
2018: A Royal Wedding and Family Tensions
On May 19, Harry and Meghan married at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, with millions watching globally. Meghan wore a Givenchy dress by Clare Waight Keller. The service included a sermon on love by Bishop Michael Curry and a gospel choir singing “Stand By Me.”
However, the year also saw tensions, notably between Meghan and Princess Kate. A dispute over bridesmaid dresses escalated, with attempts to resolve the tension between the families proving unsuccessful, as detailed in ‘Spare.’ Reports of workplace disputes surfaced, involving allegations against Meghan, which she denied.
2019: Highs and Lows
In January 2019, Meghan confided in Harry about her suicidal thoughts during her pregnancy. She later discussed these feelings in an Oprah Winfrey interview, highlighting the struggle within the royal institution. The couple moved from Kensington Palace to Windsor and then relocated to Canada in late 2019.
During the year, they welcomed their son, Archie, and took a tour to South Africa. Harry publicly acknowledged a rift with William, describing their relationship as strained but supportive in a documentary.
2020: A New Chapter
Harry and Meghan announced their departure from royal duties in January 2020. They initially aimed to settle in Canada before moving to the United States in March. They purchased a house in Montecito, California, and signed a Netflix deal later reported to be worth $60 million. Meghan experienced a miscarriage in July, with Harry attributing stress from legal battles as a factor, though no medical link is established.
In December, they signed another major podcast deal with Spotify.
2021: A Year of Revelations
The couple’s interview with Oprah in March drew global attention, with Meghan alleging insensitivity regarding her child’s potential skin color. Harry later clarified that Meghan did not intend to accuse royals of racism but unconscious bias.
Prince Philip passed away in April, amidst criticism of the interview’s timing. Harry attended the funeral and engaged in tense discussions with Charles and William.
Their daughter, Princess Lilibet, was born in June in California.
2022: Return to the United Kingdom
Meghan returned to the U.K. in May for brief meetings with the monarchy and for the Platinum Jubilee in June. She and Harry participated in commemorative events, introducing their daughter to Queen Elizabeth II during a private celebration.
The year ended with the release of their Netflix documentary, ‘Harry & Meghan,’ revisiting critiques discussed in their Oprah interview.
2023: Personal and Public Challenges
In January, Harry published ‘Spare,’ receiving both criticism and mockery, particularly for personal anecdotes. Declining U.S. popularity and a failed Spotify deal marked their media struggles.
2024 Onwards: New Ventures
Meghan launched a lifestyle brand, initially named American Riviera Orchard, later rebranded to As Ever, accompanied by a new lifestyle show. Critical reviews doubted its success, yet the venture signaled her aim to expand globally.
Harry visited the U.K. to reconnect with charities and family, raising speculation about future time spent in Britain.
Moving forward, Harry continues to organize the Invictus Games, and both navigate complex media landscapes. As the monarchy progresses, King Charles III’s approval remains robust, affirmed by a YouGov poll.