May 19th is the Sussexes first wedding anniversary. And so much has happened in just a year, hello Archie! Their love journey didn’t begin a year ago, however.
The beginning
It was close to three years ago in July of 2016 where it began. Meghan and Harry met for the first time, set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. There was an instant connection felt between both of them. Just a few weeks later they were off to Botswana. Their connection deepened and their love cemented.
Speculation of Meghan and Harry dating made its way to the tabloids and news near the latter months of 2016. Meghan has an Instagram account at the time posted cute photos of her being happy; looking back it’s all so clear now. Little easter eggs now, such as the two bananas spooning and her wearing a bracelet similar to Harry’s.
Getting serious
Although it wasn’t until November when their relationship was confirmed by the palace, after the release of an unprecedented statement. In November of 2016 Kensington Palace released their now illustrious statement which showed just how serious their relationship was. The statement which you can read here was speaking out about the harsh and racist treatment Meghan endured by the British media since word they were dating got out. Although it seems much of the media still hasn’t comprehended or heeded the statement still toll this day. However many around the world took notice. Harry not only standing up for the woman he loves but spoke
freely against the racism Meghan has endured.
A month later photos of them showed up in tabloids. The couple spoke later during their engagement interview how thankful they were to have some months of privacy at the beginning of their relationship. As time goes on we further see the seriousness of their relationship. Much speculation by fans and royal reporters asking “is Meghan is the one?”
Come April 2017, Meghan shuts down her lifestyle blog The Tig writing a beautiful but melancholy goodbye. “After close to three beautiful years on this adventure with you, it’s time to say goodbye to The Tig,” she writes in her final post. “What began as a passion project (my little engine that could) evolved into an amazing community of inspiration, support, fun, and frivolity. You’ve made my days brighter and filled this experience with so much joy.” You can read Meghan’s words, here.
Kate Middleton’s sister Pippa, was getting married on the 20th of May in 2017. Many wondered if Meghan would go to the wedding, myself included. I’ve been a royal watcher throughout the years and have watched royal weddings and births of the past. Whilst she apparently did not go to the wedding, it was speculated she did attend the private wedding reception.
Three months later in August, Meghan and Harry ostensibly went on another trip to Africa. Many could tell how Harry was with Meghan. So protective and private early on, many could see that their love was different than the others. Harry even said during their engagement interview how he saw her, and he instantly knew he had to up his game. Which of course is understandable. Yes, Prince Harry is a Prince and was one of the most eligible Bachelors of the 21st century. But Meghan is― where to begin? She’s an absolutely gorgeous woman who is incredibly intelligent, philanthropic, kind-hearted and highly accomplished. Harry knew he hit the jackpot and couldn’t mess it up.
Public outings
Just a month later in September, Meghan graced the cover of Vanity Fair’s October issue. “We’re a couple. We’re in love,” she tells the magazine. “I’m sure there will be a time when we have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.”
Later in that same month, Meghan and Harry made their official debut, appearing at the Invictus Games in Toronto. They sat several rows apart but, when they were together they couldn’t keep their hands off each other nor their smiles tamed. Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland also made an appearance.
Engagement and wedding
Two months later in November, engagement talk is at an all-time high when Meghan officially quits her hit TV show she starred on, Suits and moved to London. Weeks later on the 27th of November, they announce their engagement. Followed with their public engagement announcement and interview. A month later official intimate engagement photos were released; see them here.
A month following their announcement, Meghan and Harry had their first official royal engagement in Nottingham. Which followed many more engagements and appearances as an engaged then later many couples. Meghan proving herself a major asset for the Royal Family, working hard and brilliantly. Harry has done over 150 engagements while Meghan over 95 during their first year together.
May 19, 2018, is the day. Love is in the air, a bright and sunny day. Thousands stood while millions watched. It was a joyous day. The wedding was beautiful and heavily showcased Meghan’s culture with her being an American half black woman. Everything went perfect and it was truly an event for the ages. A month later in June, they went on their honeymoon after official royal duties. See the official royal page for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding, here.
A tour, baby and beyond
Months later came two marvelous announcements. The Duchess of Sussex is with child and an expected birth during springtime. And they will do a 16-day tour. The tour included Australia (where Prince Harry was hosting the Invictus), New Zealand, Tonga, and Fiji. Their first official royal tour was widely considered a success. Meghan even spearheading a successful cookbook, Together which aided in helping the Hubb Kitchen community. A cooking community filled with Grenfell survivors and their families.
Love and work continued to follow the royal couple. With both together and individually doing exceptional work. May 6th came and little baby Archie was born. Considering the wildly successful year the Sussexes have achieved, the future is bright. Even the Sussex’s fans have achieved a great deal with the global fundraising initiative in honor of Baby Sussex’s arrival with the hashtag GlobalSussexBabyShower.
Watch this lovely video clip provided by Meghanpedi, here.
