HARRY AND MEGHAN'S ROYAL ROMANCE
2016
JULY
- Harry and Markle first meet in London through friends
- Harry meets Markle's father Thomas Markle soon after romantic sparks fly between the pair, according to her half-brother Thomas Markle Jnr
OCTOBER
- Rumours surface in the media that Harry is "secretly" dating the Canada-based Suits star
NOVEMBER
- Harry confirms his relationship with Markle and asks the public to stop harassing his girlfriend
- Prince William issues his own statement in support of his younger brother
DECEMBER
- Markle and Harry are first photographed by the paparazzi during a stroll in London where they watch a West End show, and later reportedly buy a Christmas tree
2017
JANUARY
- The pair visit Norway to see the northern lights
- Markle meets Harry's sister-in-law Kate Middleton and her daughter Princess Charlotte
FEBRUARY
- Paparazzi snap Harry and Markle leaving the exclusive members' club Soho House in London
MARCH
- The pair take a trip to Jamaica for the wedding of Harry's friend Tom Inskip
MAY
- Markle attends the reception of Harry's sister-in-law Pippa Middleton after her wedding to James Matthews
- Harry is cheered on by his girlfriend at a polo tournament in England and are photographed for the first time sharing a kiss
AUGUST
- Harry is rumoured to have asked Markle to marry him while on holiday together in Botswana to celebrate her 36th birthday
SEPTEMBER
- Gracing the cover of Vanity Fair, Markle speaks about prince Harry in an interview published as the magazine's feature story of the month
- In keeping with royal protocol, the pair are photographed seated about 18 chairs apart for the opening of the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada
- The couple are photographed watching a tennis match between Australia and New Zealand at the Invictus Games
OCTOBER
- Markle's dad Thomas gives Harry his blessings to marry his daughter as an impending engagement announcement looms, according to British tabloids.
- Markle first meets the Queen over afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace with Harry.
NOVEMBER
- Markle reportedly wraps up filming on the US drama Suits
- Pictures emerge of Markle shopping in London, sparking speculation she has moved in with Harry at Kensington Palace
- Speculation about a royal engagement reaches fever pitch when bookmakers stop taking bets on the couple marrying
- Staff at Buckingham and Kensington palaces are reportedly briefed about the couple's engagement and told they will have a non-traditional wedding.
- Buckingham Palace make it official with an announcement of their engagement
DECEMBER
- Kensington Palace announce the wedding for May 19, at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle
