Introduction: The Core Facts
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are married. The couple met in 2016, became engaged in November 2017, and married on 19 May 2018 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Harry is the fifth in line to the British throne; Meghan is American-born, formerly a film and TV actress. Together they hold the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles. This explainer outlines key milestones, verified dates, roles, and timelines, drawing on official records and reputable biographies for clarity and context.
How They Met
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were introduced by mutual friends in mid-2016. Reports from Kensington Palace and reputable biographies describe their meeting as organic, following separate charitable activities and social circles in London. The timeline of their courtship became public in late 2017 as engagement rumors grew.
Engagement and Wedding
Official Engagement
On 27 November 2017, Kensington Palace announced the engagement. The ring featured a center diamond from Botswana with two smaller diamonds from Diana’s collection, a design choice widely reported by official outlets. The couple gave interviews to major outlets to mark the occasion, setting out their intentions and public roles.
Wedding Date and Venue
The wedding took place on 19 May 2018 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. The ceremony was broadcast globally and attended by senior royals and an estimated global audience. Invitations, seating plans, and protocol details were managed through royal communications channels.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding Date | 19 May 2018 | Official palace announcement |
| Venue | St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle | Royal household records |
| Title Upon Marriage | Duchess of Sussex | Styles and titles notice |
| Birthdate | Meghan: 4 August 1981; Harry: 21 September 1984 | Biographies and biographies |
| First Child | Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, 6 May 2019 | Royal household statement |
Titles, Roles, and Public Life
Following marriage, Meghan became HRH The Duchess of Sussex. Harry was already Duke of Sussex; the couple shared the title style. After stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020, they pursued commercial and philanthropic projects, including media deals and nonprofit initiatives. Official biographies note their focus on gender equality, mental health, and racial justice.
Family Expansions
The couple’s first child, Archie Harrison, was born 6 May 2019. A second child, Lilibet Diana, was born 4 June 2021. Birth records and hospital statements confirmed the details, although some specifics remain private. Family appearances and statements are occasionally shared through controlled channels.
Notable Milestones
This section lists key, verifiable events in the relationship of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Dates and roles are drawn from royal communications and reputable news archives.
Timeline Snapshot
- Mid-2016: Couple meets through mutual acquaintances.
- 27 Nov 2017: Engagement announced; ring disclosed.
- 19 May 2018: Wedding at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
- 6 May 2019: Birth of son Archie Harrison.
- 4 June 2021: Birth of daughter Lilibet Diana.
- 19 Mar 2020: Announcement of stepping back from senior roles.
- 2021–2024: Continued advocacy, memoir, and media projects.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Readers often seek clarity on titles, family updates, and official roles. Below are concise answers to frequently asked questions based on verifiable sources.
Quick Facts
| Question | Short Answer | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Are Harry and Meghan still married? | Yes | Royal household statements |
| Do they retain HRH styles? | Harry remains HRH; Meghan uses Duchess of Sussex | Protocol notices |
| Where do they live? | Los Angeles, California, USA; residence details are private | Reliable biographies |
| Do they perform official duties for the UK? | No; not representing the UK officially since 2020 | Official announcements |
| What children do they have? | Archie (b. 2019) and Lilibet (b. 2021) | Birth records and statements |
Reliable Sources and Further Reading
Key sources for this explainer include the official website of the British royal family, statements from Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, and verified biographies published by reputable houses. News citations are drawn from major outlets with editorial standards. Private matters such as full addresses, school choices, and detailed financial figures are not included due to limited public verification.
Conclusion: A Summary Relationship Overview
Meghan Markle married Prince Harry on 19 May 2018; they are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their relationship timeline is documented through official announcements, verified biographies, and public records. As of the latest available information, they remain married and continue independent professional and philanthropic work. This explainer focuses on facts that are well-sourced and durable over time.