Before finding Meghan Markle, Prince Harry was navigating the choppy waters of high-profile dating.
Despite being one of the most eligible bachelors in the UK, his love life had been a mix of short-lived flings, aristocrats, and socialites.
The Prince was ready to leave his party-boy reputation behind and find something real.
The Blind Date That Changed Everything
It all began when a mutual friend suggested Harry go on a blind date with actress Meghan Markle.
At first, Harry was sceptical. In a 2017 BBC interview, he admitted he had never heard of Meghan before the setup.
“I had never even heard about her until this friend said ‘Meghan Markle’,” he recalled. Harry’s priority? Someone kind-hearted.
Meghan later confirmed that when she arranged the match, her only concern was whether Harry was nice.
Love at First Sight
According to royal author Christopher Andersen, Harry sensed something special immediately.
With a new sense of maturity and calm, he told Michelle Obama he just needed to find the right person.
And when Harry finally met Meghan at Soho House, it was reportedly love at first sight. Harry himself said, “I knew she was the one the very first time we met.”
Early Sparks on Safari
Meghan and Harry’s connection deepened quickly. On their third date—a week-long safari trip to Botswana—they spent five days camping together.
Meghan has shared that it was during this adventure that she knew Harry was “a keeper.” The experience of being close to each other in such an intimate, adventurous setting solidified their bond.
Saying the L Word First
The Sussexes have revealed in their Netflix series that Harry was the first to say “I love you,” shortly after they began dating in 2016.
Meghan has described their love as growing stronger over the years, even as they faced intense public scrutiny and pressures from royal life.
“We immediately went into the trenches together,” she said, noting that their love has only deepened since those early days.
Building a Life Together
By November 2016, Kensington Palace confirmed their relationship, and in May 2017, they made their first public appearance at a polo match for Harry’s charity, Sentebale.
Engagement followed in November 2017, and the couple married in May 2018.
Throughout their journey, Meghan has emphasized maintaining her own identity, saying their relationship hasn’t changed who she is.
Celebrating Love in Public and Private
Since returning to Instagram, Meghan has been more open about her relationship than ever.
From romantic tributes on Valentine’s Day to celebrating anniversaries with personal mementos, the couple continues to share glimpses of their life together.
Meghan’s posts reveal both affection and admiration for Harry, describing him as “very very handsome” with a heart even more beautiful.
A Love Story Seven Years Strong
Seven years into their relationship, Harry and Meghan’s love story continues to evolve.
From a blind date that neither expected to change their lives, to intimate adventures and public appearances, the couple has navigated fame, family, and personal growth together.
As Meghan notes, the early butterflies have matured into a deeper connection—a honeymoon period of sorts in the midst of real life, love, and commitment.