Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at their wedding in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire, UK, May 19, 2018.

A Royal Anniversary: Taking a Look Back at Meghan & Harry’s Remarkable Year

August 5, 2021

By Drew Carlos

A year ago, I was sitting on my couch watching “Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance.” The scones had been purchased, the fine china pulled out and the alarm set for 4 a.m. I was prepared to witness my second royal wedding. When Meghan and Harry first got engaged, I rallied with the rest of the world, but for different reasons. “Yes,” I thought to myself. “We’re going to get another royal wedding.” When Kate and William got married in 2011, I was a senior in high school, sipping English breakfast tea out of my mom’s wedding china (only pulled out for the most special of occasions) before heading out to the class. In 2018, life was less glamorous, aka I had to go to work, but the prep for the wedding was nothing short of that 2011 splendor. As the early morning ticked on, Meghan came full screen in her dress for the first time — one thing was obvious: They were happy. And no one could expect the whirlwind year ahead of them. From rumors and family feuds to outings with the Queen and a royal baby, Meghan and Harry did it all. As their first anniversary approaches, we took a look back at some of their best moments since saying, “I do.”

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1 of 30

Shutterstock

Around 29 million people watched on their telly's as this royal couple made their way down the aisle.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at their wedding in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire, UK, May 19, 2018.

2 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during Trooping the Colour 2018 ceremony in London, Jun 9, 2018.

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Their first public debut as a married couple, Meghan drew praise for her blush off-the-shoulder look.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during Trooping the Colour 2018 ceremony in London, Jun 9, 2018.

3 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle present the prize in the St James's Palace stakes to Frankie Dettori, June 19, 2018.

David Hartley/Shutterstock

Harry and Meghan are off to the races! In her white Givenchy dress, Meghan awards celebrity jockey Frankie Dettori his prize.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle present the prize in the St James’ Palace stakes to Frankie Dettori, June 19, 2018.

4 of 30

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle at the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony, Buckingham Palace, London, June 26, 2018.

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The event was live streamed on Facebook for those of us unable to make it to Buckingham Palace for The Queen's Young Leader Award's.

Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards Ceremony, Buckingham Palace, London, June 26, 2018.

5 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 'Your Commonwealth' Youth Challenge reception at Marlborough House in London, July 5, 2018.

Yui Mok/AP/Shutterstock

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at the youth-focused event. Meghan makes a statement with her colorful Brandon Maxwell dress, a departure from her usual muted outfits.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the “Your Commonwealth” Youth Challenge reception at Marlborough House in London, July 5, 2018.

6 of 30

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry watch a flypast of Royal Air Force aircraft pass over Buckingham Palace in London, July 10, 2018.

Matt Dunham/AP/Shutterstock

Sticking with her bow neck silhouette, Meghan stuns in a black Dior dress.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle watch a flypast of Royal Air Force aircraft pass over Buckingham Palace in London, July 10, 2018.

7 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in to Dublin, Ireland, July 11, 2018.

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Ireland marked the newlyweds first official trip out of England.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Dublin, Ireland, July 11, 2018.

8 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the wedding of Daisy Jenks and Charlie van Straubenzee, St Mary the Virgin Church, Frensham, Surrey, UK, Aug. 4, 2018.

Beretta/Sims/Shutterstock

Harry takes on the title of best man at the wedding of his childhood friend.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the wedding of Daisy Jenks and Charlie van Straubenzee, St. Mary the Virgin Church, Frensham, Surrey, UK, Aug. 4, 2018.

9 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a gala performance of Hamilton in London, Aug. 29, 2018.

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Even the Royals take part in the cultural phenomenon that is "Hamilton" — Harry even sang a few lines from the show!

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a gala performance of “Hamilton” in London, Aug. 29, 2018.

10 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit the University of Chichester Tech Park, Oct. 3, 2018.

Shutterstock

Bringing back major Rachel Zane vibes, Meghan stuns in a monochromatic look. This marks their first official visit to Sussex!

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit the University of Chichester Technology Park, Oct. 3, 2018.

11 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Admiralty House, Sydney, Oct. 16, 2018.

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Not only is this their first appearance in Sydney, this is also the first time the world learns Meghan is expecting the couple's first child.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Admiralty House, Sydney, Oct. 16, 2018.

12 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Dubbo Airport, Oct. 17, 2018

Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Harry and Meghan — wearing a blazer from her friend Serena Williams' fashion label — make international news after a young boy befriends Harry by pulling on his beard.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Dubbo Airport, Oct. 17, 2018.

13 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a walkabout at Government House in Melbourne, on day three of their tour of Australia, Oct. 18, 2018.

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Harry and Meghan walk through a crowd of cheering fans as they attend the exercise and wellness-themed Government House reception.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a walkabout at Government House in Melbourne, on day three of their tour of Australia, Oct. 18, 2018.

14 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with local surfing community group 'OneWave' on Bondi Beach, Oct. 18, 2018.

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On the famous Bondi Beach, Meghan talks eagerly about her morning yoga wearing a dress by Australian designer Martin Grant.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with local surfing community group OneWave on Bondi Beach, Oct. 18, 2018.

15 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a visit to Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney, Australia, on day four of their Royal Tour, Oct. 19, 2018.

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This may have been Meghan's first hint that she was expecting a baby boy!

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a visit to Macarthur Girls High School in Sydney, Australia, on day four of their Royal Tour, Oct. 19, 2018.

16 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for a reception and dinner at the palace in Nuku'alofa, Oct. 25 2018.

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

In Tonga, Meghan stuns in a custom-made Theia gown while Harry wears a classic tux.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for a reception and dinner at the palace in Nuku’alofa, Oct. 25 2018.

17 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend an exhibition at the Fa'onelua Centre in Nuku'alofa celebrating Tongan handicrafts and products, Oct. 26 2018.

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The royal couple gets a friendly Tongan greeting with traditional garlands as they arrive at the Fa'onelua Centre.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend an exhibition at the Fa’onelua Centre in Nuku’alofa celebrating Tongan handicrafts and products, Oct. 26 2018.

18 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Wheelchair Basketball Final at the Invictus Games, Oct. 27, 2018.

Matt Baron/Shutterstock

The Royals go casual as they watch the Invictus Games final in Sydney.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Wheelchair Basketball Final at the Invictus Games, Oct. 27, 2018.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Abel Tasman National Park, Oct. 29, 2018.

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

At their visit to Abel Tasman National Park, Harry and Meghan learn more about local conservation efforts.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit Abel Tasman National Park, Oct. 29, 2018.

20 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for a Public Walkabout at the Auckland Viaduct, Oct. 30, 2018.

Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Nearing the end of their first Royal Tour, Meghan is seen cradling her growing bump.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for a Public Walkabout at the Auckland Viaduct, Oct. 30, 2018.

21 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend The Royal Variety Performance in London, Nov. 19, 2018.

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

The royal couple marked their six month wedding anniversary at the Royal Variety Performance.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend The Royal Variety Performance in London, Nov. 19, 2018.

22 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Christmas Day church service in Sandringham, Norfolk, UK, Dec. 25, 2018.

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Following royal protocol, the couple attends Christmas Day church services at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene — this church goes back to the 16th century.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Christmas Day church service in Sandringham, Norfolk, UK, Dec. 25, 2018.

23 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit to Birkenhead, UK, Jan. 14, 2019.

Beretta/Sims/Shutterstock

In her red and purple ensemble, the Duchess pays respect to Tomorrow's Women Wirral - a local women for women charity in Birkenhead.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit to Birkenhead, UK, Jan. 14, 2019.

24 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Endeavour Fund Awards in London, Feb. 7, 2019.

Rupert Hartley/Shutterstock

The couple walked hand in hand on the red carpet at the Endeavour Fund Awards. They chaired the judging panel, so it was only fitting that Meghan presented the celebrating excellence award.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Endeavour Fund Awards in London, Feb. 7, 2019.

25 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Casablanca airport, Feb. 23, 2019.

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

The Duke and Duchess arrive in Casablanca for a three-day tour centered around promoting mental health awareness and education for girls.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Casablanca airport, Feb. 23, 2019.

26 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a reception hosted by the British Ambassador to Morocco, Feb. 24, 2019.

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In her bespoke Dior gown, Meghan stuns in Morocco. The couple was welcomed with a traditional rose water ceremony.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a reception hosted by the British Ambassador to Morocco, Feb. 24, 2019.

27 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit a Social Entrepreneurs event and market in the Andalusian Gardens, Feb. 25, 2019.

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

On their final day in Morocco, the Royals head to the market in the Andalusian Gardens.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit a Social Entrepreneurs event and market in the Andalusian Gardens, Feb. 25, 2019.

28 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit to Morocco, Feb. 25, 2019.

Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

Meghan wears a floor-length Carolina Herrera dress to meet King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visit to Morocco, Feb. 25, 2019.

29 of 30

Shutterstock

Marking her last public appearance before giving birth to their son, Meghan steps out with Harry to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London, March 11, 2019.

30 of 30

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose together with their newborn son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in Windsor, May 8, 2019.

Domic Lipinski/PA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

On May 8th, the couple proudly introduced their son, Archie Harrison Mounbatten-Windsor — born May 6 — to the world. @Sussexroyal broke the news on social media with photos taken in Windsor Castle.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose together with their newborn son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in Windsor, May 8, 2019.

A Royal Anniversary: Taking a Look Back at Meghan & Harry’s Remarkable Year

Around 29 million people watched on their telly's as this royal couple made their way down the aisle.

Their first public debut as a married couple, Meghan drew praise for her blush off-the-shoulder look.

Harry and Meghan are off to the races! In her white Givenchy dress, Meghan awards celebrity jockey Frankie Dettori his prize.

The event was live streamed on Facebook for those of us unable to make it to Buckingham Palace for The Queen's Young Leader Award's.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive at the youth-focused event. Meghan makes a statement with her colorful Brandon Maxwell dress, a departure from her usual muted outfits.

Sticking with her bow neck silhouette, Meghan stuns in a black Dior dress.

Ireland marked the newlyweds first official trip out of England.

Harry takes on the title of best man at the wedding of his childhood friend.

Even the Royals take part in the cultural phenomenon that is "Hamilton" — Harry even sang a few lines from the show!

Bringing back major Rachel Zane vibes, Meghan stuns in a monochromatic look. This marks their first official visit to Sussex!

Not only is this their first appearance in Sydney, this is also the first time the world learns Meghan is expecting the couple's first child.

Harry and Meghan — wearing a blazer from her friend Serena Williams' fashion label — make international news after a young boy befriends Harry by pulling on his beard.

Harry and Meghan walk through a crowd of cheering fans as they attend the exercise and wellness-themed Government House reception.

On the famous Bondi Beach, Meghan talks eagerly about her morning yoga wearing a dress by Australian designer Martin Grant.

This may have been Meghan's first hint that she was expecting a baby boy!

In Tonga, Meghan stuns in a custom-made Theia gown while Harry wears a classic tux.

The royal couple gets a friendly Tongan greeting with traditional garlands as they arrive at the Fa'onelua Centre.

The Royals go casual as they watch the Invictus Games final in Sydney.

At their visit to Abel Tasman National Park, Harry and Meghan learn more about local conservation efforts.

Nearing the end of their first Royal Tour, Meghan is seen cradling her growing bump.

The royal couple marked their six month wedding anniversary at the Royal Variety Performance.

Following royal protocol, the couple attends Christmas Day church services at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene — this church goes back to the 16th century.

In her red and purple ensemble, the Duchess pays respect to Tomorrow's Women Wirral - a local women for women charity in Birkenhead.

The couple walked hand in hand on the red carpet at the Endeavour Fund Awards. They chaired the judging panel, so it was only fitting that Meghan presented the celebrating excellence award.

The Duke and Duchess arrive in Casablanca for a three-day tour centered around promoting mental health awareness and education for girls.

In her bespoke Dior gown, Meghan stuns in Morocco. The couple was welcomed with a traditional rose water ceremony.

On their final day in Morocco, the Royals head to the market in the Andalusian Gardens.

Meghan wears a floor-length Carolina Herrera dress to meet King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

Marking her last public appearance before giving birth to their son, Meghan steps out with Harry to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth.

On May 8th, the couple proudly introduced their son, Archie Harrison Mounbatten-Windsor — born May 6 — to the world. @Sussexroyal broke the news on social media with photos taken in Windsor Castle.

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