Admit it: You freaking love Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. I love Markle and Harry. Everyone and their mother loves Markle and Harry. Why? Because these two are arguably one of the sweetest and most stable couples in the public eye. It's been such a joy to watch love blossom between them over the last year or so, and now that they are engaged (and getting married in May 2018!), we can't wait for that royal wedding magic to happen ASAP, y'all!
When we see them together, it's such a treat. They look so comfortable with one another, so at ease. They're always smiling or holding hands or they have their arms wrapped around each other. It's easy to see they are building a solid foundation for their relationship — which we can only hope will make the next step they take (ahem, down the aisle) a seamless transition.
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But make no mistake. These two have come a long way in the development of their relationship in a fairly short time. Thinking back to the way things were in the earliest months of 2017, it's surprising to see just how far they've come. So where did Markle and Harry begin as a couple in 2017, and where are they now?
February
In February, Markle and Harry were officially spotted together for the first time while out on a date night in London. Their first paparazzi shot together helped confirm that the lovebirds were in fact dating. They were snapped while crossing the street in London, Harry leading the way and holding Markle's hand, as they left the exclusive Soho House.
March
Meghan Markle Prince Harry Jamaica
In March, Harry brought Markle to Jamaica, where she was his date to a friend's destination wedding. Sneak paparazzi photos showed to the two at what appeared to be the reception in their best beachwear, with Markle wrapping her arms around Harry's shoulders at one point.
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April
Meghan Markle The Tig April Post
April saw Markle shut down The Tig, her successful lifestyle blog and a creative outlet for her. The conversation soon turned to what this move meant for her relationship with Harry in regards to moving out of the public eye as a blogger and actor and potentially into a more humanitarian or stately role, as was the case with the Duchess of Cambridge.
While Markle's official statement didn't indicate anything about how serious she was regarding a possible future as a royal, many believed this was her first step towards royal status: "After close to three beautiful years on this adventure with you, it’s time to say goodbye to The Tig. 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.”
May
In May, the two were caught on camera having a secret kiss while at one of Harry's polo matches. So cheeky — and sneaky!
Even better, while we never saw the photos, we do know that Markle was Harry's date to Pippa Middleton's wedding. Markle didn't attend the ceremony (a common English custom for weddings of this nature and not at all a rude move), but word on the street was that she did attend the private reception. Rumors also began surfacing that Harry secured permission from his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, to propose to Markle.
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August
August saw the couple jaunt to Africa for a luxurious vacation together. Engagement rumors hit new levels during this time (and haven't subsided since then) as many felt this kind of grand vacation would be the perfect time for Harry to pop the question. While it didn't happen, public interest in the progression of the couple's relationship only increased from there.
September
September was a big month for Markle and Harry. Early in the month, Markle landed on the October cover of Vanity Fair. In her cover issue profile, she took a moment to declare her feelings for her royal boo: "We’re a couple. We’re in love. 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."
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At the end of the month, the pair were spotted at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Markle's home away from home while she filmed Suits. Harry was there as an official part of the games themselves, but Markle was spotted with Harry at various sporting events and at the closing ceremonies in support of her sweetheart.
October
In October, news broke that Markle was very possibly leaving Suits as she and Harry made plans to move in together in London. The news sparked even more serious engagement rumors.
November
It's official — Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are headed toward happily ever after by way of a royal wedding. The news was confirmed on Monday, Nov. 27 by Clarence House, which released a statement regarding the joyous occasion.
"His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle," the Twitter release read. "The wedding will take place in spring 2018. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course. His Royal Highness and Ms Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle’s parents."
A version of this article was originally published in November 2017.