A lot can happen in a year, and Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan are testament to that.
On November 27th 2017, Kensington Palace announced that Prince Harry and his then-girlfriend Meghan Markle were engaged and from that moment, the two have become one of the most adored couples in the world.
Not only did they become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at their fairytale royal wedding in May, but they have completed a stack of royal engagements including a whirlwind Commonwealth tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga as well as announce that they are expecting their first child.
Take a look back at the busy year that was and how much the Sussex duo have achieved.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement announcement
He was once the most eligible bachelor in Britain, but in November 2017, it was confirmed that Prince Harry was officially off the market and had proposed to his girlfriend, Suits actress, Meghan Markle after 16 months of dating.
Just a day after the official announcement, the happy couple appeared on the grounds of The Sunken Garden, one of Princess Diana’s favourite places at Kensington Palace for a photo call.
When one eager journalist asked, “When did you know she was the one?” Harry replied, “The very first time we met.”
Meghan’s engagement ring features a diamond from Botswana — a place close to each of their hearts following several trips there as a couple — and in a sweet tribute to Harry’s late mother, two side stones taken from Princess Diana’s personal collection.
In their official BBC engagement interview, it was revealed that Harry popped the question at their home, Nottingham Cottage while roasting a chicken and Meghan could hardly let him finish proposing.
“She didn’t even let me finish, she said ‘can I say yes, can I say yes?’ and then there were hugs and I had the ring in my finger and I was like can I — can I give you the ring? She goes — oh yes the ring,” Harry recounted.
“It was a really nice moment, it was just the two of us and I think managed to catch her by surprise as well.”
Meghan added: “It was so sweet and natural and very romantic.”
The pair went on to release their official engagement portraits to commemorate the happy news.
The snaps, taken by renowned fashion photographer Alexi Lubomirski, featured one of the couple sitting on the steps of Frogmore House, one of them walking through the grounds hand-in-hand and another of Harry and Meghan in a romantic embrace.
“Not only was it an incredible honour, but also an immense privilege to be invited to share and be a witness to this young couple’s love for each other. I cannot help but smile when I look at the photos that we took,” Alexi revealed.
Meghan wore a sheer dress by Australian design duo Ralph & Russo rumoured to be worth $97,000. (Image: Instagram @kensingtonroyal)
A picture perfect couple. (Image: Instagram @kensingtonroyal)
Harry and Meghan were the definition of loved-up in their engagement photos. (Image: Instagram @kensingtonroyal)
Meghan takes part in her first royal duties
It wasn’t long before Prince Harry’s bride to-be was embracing royal life and taking part in official engagements with him.
On their first outing following their engagement news, the happy couple visited Nottingham when Meghan told members of the crowd, “I’m so happy. It’s just such a thrill to be here.”
The fact that Harry and Meghan were unafraid to hold hands and show their love for one another in public just made hearts melt even more.
Harry and Meghan aren’t afraid to show their affection. (Image: Getty Images)
Even when things didn’t go according to plan, Duchess Meghan showed how charming and relatable she is.
While presenting an award at the Endeavour Fund Awards that celebrated the achievements of wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, a giggling Meghan and her co-presenter were unable to find the list of nominees on stage much to the amusement of the audience and Prince Harry.
Watch the sweet moment below. Post continues after video…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding
In what was possibly the biggest event of 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in the ultimate fairytale wedding.
Harry and Meghan said “I do” in front of 600 friends and family packed into the pews of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle and billions tuned in from around the world to watch them exchange vows and become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
After not just one but two kisses, the couple celebrated in style with a lunch reception hosted by the Queen and a wild evening party hosted by Prince Charles at Frogmore House.
Sealed with a kiss: The newlyweds were watched by billions. (Image: Getty Images)
Harry and Meghan brought their informal charm to their official wedding photos. (Image: Instagram @kensingtonroyal/ @alexilubomirski)
Harry gifted his bride with his mother’s aquamarine ring for the evening reception. (Image: Getty Images)
One of the family
She’s only been an official member of the royal family for a few months, but it’s clear that the Windsors are mad about Meghan!
After walking her down the aisle, Prince Charles and his daughter-in-law have developed a special bond. According to the Mail On Sunday, the Prince of Wales calls Meghan “Tungsten” after the rare metal because she’s “tough and unbending just like the very strong metal.”
The Queen has also taken to Meghan and invited her to accompany her on a solo engagement soon after her wedding.
Doria Ragland, Meghan’s mother, has also welcomed Harry as one of her own and has even been invited to spend Christmas with the royal family at Sandringham.
The young royals are taking on more responsibility. (Image: Getty Images)
A royal baby announcement
In just a few short months, the Sussexes will become a family of three, after Kensington Palace announced the exciting news of the royal pregnancy shortly after Harry and Meghan arrived in Sydney.
Naturally, the royal family were “delighted for the couple,” with the Palace confirming that the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Prince William and Duchess Catherine were notified of Duchess Meghan’s pregnancy at Princess Eugenie’s wedding in October. The Duchess of Sussex’s mother, Doria Ragland is also excited to become a grandmother.
“Ms. Ragland is very happy about this lovely news, and she looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild,” Kensington Palace said in a statement.
The baby is due in British springtime next year and will be referred to as Earl of Dumbarton if he is a boy or Lady (first name) Mountbatten-Windsor if she is a girl, unless the Queen bestows the title of prince or princess on them.
Harry and Meghan will become parents in 2019. (Image: Getty Images)
Harry and Meghan take Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga
In the midst of all the royal baby news, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also ticked off their first international royal tour when they visited the Commonwealth nations of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga in October.
The couple met with dignitaries and royal fans, participating in events ranging from state dinners to taking part in an ‘Anti Bad Vibe Circle’ on Bondi Beach.
WATCH: Harry and Meghan in action at Bondi Beach. Post continues…
Prince Harry shared an adorable photo of Meghan cradling her tummy in New Zealand to the official Kensington Royal Instagram account at the end of their whirlwind trip thanking the hosting countries on behalf of himself, the Duchess and their “Little Bump.”
“Thank you New Zealand for the most wonderful last week of our tour. It has been a privilege to meet so many friendly Kiwis. Australia, Fiji, Tonga and NZ – we leave feeling inspired and reminded of how every single one of us can make a difference.”
A new home
As the couple prepare to welcome their baby, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have also announced that they will be moving away from Kensington Palace and into Frogmore Cottage, their new 10-bedroom home in Windsor.
“Windsor is a very special place for Their Royal Highnessess and they are grateful that their official residence will be on the estate,” an official statement read.
With 10-bedrooms, a new nursery and space for a gym and yoga studio, Frogmore Cottage will make a perfect royal home where Palace staff will also reside.
It may have been a big year, but we can’t wait to see what Harry and Meghan will achieve next year!
The Duke and Duchess are making the move to Frogmore Cottage. (Images: Getty Images/Twitter @patriciatreble)
