Overview: who are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is the younger son of Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales, and a senior working royal born on 31 August 1984. Meghan Markle is an American actress and humanitarian born on 4 August 1981, best known for starring in the legal drama Suits. Their relationship became public in mid-2016, progressed through significant royal milestones, and culminated in their marriage on 19 May 2018 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. This evergreen explainer outlines verified details about their partnership, wedding, family, and current standing.
Key relationship milestones at a glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| July 2016 | First public acknowledgment by Kensington Palace | Official confirmation after months of speculation |
| November 2016 | First joint public appearance (Remembrance Day) | Signaled openness about the relationship |
| 27 November 2017 | Engagement announced | Formal commitment recognized by senior royals |
| 19 May 2018 | Wedding at St George’s Chapel, Windsor | Public marriage; global coverage |
| 6 May 2019 | Birth of son Archie Harrison | First child; birth announced via royal website |
| 14 March 2020 | Birth of daughter Lilibet Diana | Second child; born in the United States |
| 31 March 2020 | Stepping back as senior royals; Financial Independence Plan announced | Transition to financial self-sufficiency; reduced royal duties |
| January 2023 | Archie and Lilibet not granted royal titles proactively | Adjustments to family roles; related policy discussions |
Quick facts comparison
- Birth dates: Harry (31 August 1984), Meghan (4 August 1981)
- Marriage: 19 May 2018; venue: St George’s Chapel, Windsor
- Children: Archie (born 6 May 2019), Lilibet (born 14 March 2020)
- Stepped back as senior royals: 31 March 2020
- Residence timeline: UK pre-2020; moved to North America thereafter
How the relationship developed in public view
Harry and Meghan met on the set of Suits in Toronto in 2011, where Meghan played paralegal Rachel Zane while Harry was visiting for a military invitational. They reconnected in 2016 in Los Angeles, and their romance became public in July 2016 when Kensington Palace confirmed the relationship had developed to a "serious level." Key early appearances included the Invictus Games in September 2016 and the Royal Variety Show in November 2016. By late 2017, the couple addressed engagement rumors, and the official engagement on 27 November 2017 outlined expectations around financial arrangements and public duties.
Public and institutional responses
Initial media coverage was mixed, with some outlets scrutinizing Meghan’s background while others celebrated a modern royal union. Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace issued measured statements emphasizing respect for privacy. Family-wise, Harry’s elder brother William, then-Prince of Wales, supported the relationship, and their father Charles offered public encouragement. Religious and civic ceremonies followed Anglican tradition, with the Archbishop of Canterbury officiating and community leaders in attendance. The wedding invitation design and guest list underscored a blend of Commonwealth nations and diaspora representation.
Marriage and family: legal and ceremonial details
The wedding at St George’s Chapel combined traditional Anglican rites with contemporary choices, including a motu proprio vows revision and celebratory music reflecting both her American background and his royal role. Legally, the union is recognized in the United Kingdom and internationally; no impediments under canon or civil law were publicly disclosed. Archie and Lilibet hold places in the line of succession per the Perth Agreement and subsequent legislation, though discussions on titles and security access emerged after stepping back as senior royals. The couple's parental roles have been publicly visible through birthday messages, philanthropic focuses, and selective documentary appearances.
Status and roles after stepping back
On 31 March 2020, Harry and Meghan announced they would cease performing public duties as senior members of the Royal Family, repay taxpayer-funded refurbishment costs over time, and seek financial independence. Subsequent interviews, books, and media engagements framed this as a shift toward private life while maintaining charitable commitments on causes such as mental health, veterans’ affairs, racial equity, and girls’ education. Residences moved from Kensington Palace to California, affecting schooling, medical care logistics, and interactions with the British establishment. Legal frameworks around their security and the use of the royal brand remain subjects of negotiation and public debate.
Implications for children and public identities
Archie and Lilibet were raised partly outside the full panoply of royal protocols, with decisions about schooling, titles, and media exposure reflecting family priorities. In 2023, it was confirmed that Archie and Lilibet would not be granted HRH titles proactively, aligning with a broader reassessment of the monarchy’s size and scope. The family continues to engage in selected public projects and interviews, balancing private upbringing with global visibility.
Clarifying common misunderstandings
Not all narratives about the couple are consistent with official statements or timelines. Early rumors conflated private meetings with formal commitments; later reports sometimes mischaracterized the extent of ongoing royal duties. Understanding the distinction between private family choices and institutional protocols helps clarify their current status. This explainer relies on published announcements, palace statements, and corroborated reporting to separate verified facts from speculation.
FAQ
Reader questions
Are Harry and Meghan still married?
Yes. They remain married as of the latest available information, having celebrated their wedding anniversary annually and continued joint philanthropic work.
Do they still have roles in the royal family?
They stepped back as senior royals in 2020 and operate independently, though historical family ties and occasional shared events maintain limited formal connections.
Where do they live now?
They reside primarily in the United States, with documented stays in California and periodic visits to the UK for family events.
How many children do they have?
They have two children: Archie, born in 2019, and Lilibet, born in 2020.