View gallery Image Credit: AP Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have spent the past several years building a life outside the traditional royal system, and their relationship continues to evolve in full public view. After stepping back from royal duties, their candid 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey aired lingering tensions with the royal family, including claims about a lack of support and concerns over mental health, making it one of the most talked-about moments in modern royal history. Since then, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have settled in California with their two children while expanding their work across media, philanthropy, and business. Recently, they've remained in the headlines through a mix of professional projects and personal appearances, keeping interest in their next chapter as strong as ever. As they continue to shape a future outside the monarchy, here's a complete timeline of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship, from their first meeting to where they stand today. First Public Date Prince Harry and his girlfriend Meghan Markle attend the wheelchair tennis competition during the Invictus Games in Toronto (Photo: Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press) Romance rumors swirled during the summer of 2016 about Harry finding love with an American actress. People put two-and-two together after seeing Suits star Meghan walking around London, despite the fact that production for her hit show was in Toronto, Calif. After lying low for several months and trying to keep their blossoming relationship under wraps, Kensington Palace confirmed their romance on Nov. 8 of that year along with a plea to the media to be kinder to the couple. "Since he was young, Prince Harry has been very aware of the warmth that has been extended to him by members of the public. He feels lucky to have so many people supporting him and knows what a fortunate and privileged life he leads," the statement began. The statement went on to say Harry has never been "comfortable" with the world wanting to dissect his private life and is exceptionally concerned with the media's reaction to his new romance with the actress. "He has rarely taken formal action on the very regular publication of fictional stories that are written about him and he has worked hard to develop a professional relationship with the media, focused on his work and the issues he cares about," the statement continued. "But the past week has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment." "Some of this has been very public - the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments. Some of it has been hidden from the public - the nightly legal battles to keep defamatory stories out of papers; her mother having to struggle past photographers in order to get to her front door; the attempts of reporters and photographers to gain illegal entry to her home and the calls to police that followed; the substantial bribes offered by papers to her ex-boyfriend; the bombardment of nearly every friend, co-worker, and loved one in her life," the formal statement from the royal family explained. The statement revealed that Harry was concerned about Meghan's safety. "He has asked for this statement to be issued in the hopes that those in the press who have been driving this story can pause and reflect before any further damage is done. He knows that it is unusual to issue a statement like this, but hopes that fair-minded people will understand why he has felt it necessary to speak publicly," the notice continued. In Sept. 2017, Meghan accompanied Harry to the Invictus Games, the young royal's philanthropy for veterans he founded in 2014, as seen above. A Royal Engagement Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the official photocall announcing their engagement on November 27, 2017 at Kensington Palace (Photo: zz/KGC-55/STAR MAX/IPx 2017) Just two months after their appearance at the Invictus Games, Meghan and Harry sent hearts aflutter when they, along with Kensington Palace, confirmed that they were engaged! "His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle," the official statement read. "The wedding will take place in Spring 2018." The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle. pic.twitter.com/zdaHR4mcY6 - Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) November 27, 2017 Meghan and Harry beamed with joy in photos following their engagement. Harry gifted his future bride a stunning ring that included two diamonds from Harry's mother, Princess Diana's, own personal collection. It was a beautiful way to pay tribute to her. In their first interview following their engagement, the Anti-social actress revealed Harry popped the question while they were "trying to roast a chicken" together. "And it was ju