Unveiling the hidden truths of when Prince Harry revealed Meghan Markle to the world

Prince Harry was besotted with Meghan Markle soon after they met, and their romance quickly blossomed. 

When Meghan and Harry began their relationship, Meghan was living in Toronto and pursuing her career as an actress in the television show Suits, while Harry was fulfilling his royal duties in the UK and residing in Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace.

As their relationship grew more serious, the possibility of a public appearance together increased, and there were even speculations about a potential engagement.

Detailing the introduction of Meghan to the world, royal biographer Andrew Morton shared in his book, Meghan: A Hollywood Princess, the intricate steps Harry took to reveal his future wife to the public.

Harry launched the Invictus Games in 2014 and is involved with the various related sporting events every year. 

In 2017, the prince chose an Australia versus New Zealand wheelchair tennis game as the occasion to be officially seen with Meghan for the first time. 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry watching wheelchair tennis in their first public appearance together back in 2017

Meghan and Harry holding hands at the Invictus Games event in Toronto

At one point during the event, Meghan was given a water bottle but was advised by Harry to leave it on the floor

Before the couple entered the court, photographers covering the match were briefed last minute by a press officer from Kensington Palace.

Mr Morton wrote how the press officer told the media pack, ‘When they arrive, stay in your seats and don’t move out of them. If you do they will leave.’

She did not explicitly name the prince or his girlfriend, but it soon became clear when Harry and Meghan strode onto the court holding hands and took their seats.

‘In the choreography of their romance, this was a showstopper,’ Mr Morton wrote. 

The couple were careful about their movements and how their big moment would be captured. 

At one point, Meghan was given a bottle of water, but ‘Harry advised her to put it on the floor and not drink it in the view of the camera,’ Mr Morton wrote.

Together, they presented a loved-up display – leaning in to talk to one another and even whispering into each other’s ears. 

Harry and Meghan held hands as they walked together and seemed to enjoy themselves. 

Meghan also appeared to be a natural when it came to interacting with the public. She shook hands with a boy sitting nearby and greeted children while Harry proudly watched on.

Both wore dark sunglasses in the 30-degree heat.

The appearance sparked rumours of an impending royal engagement. The announcement came two months later

Meghan leaning in as Harry speaks during the event in Toronto back in 2017

The Prince whispering to Meghan, who is wearing The Husband shirt by Misha Nonoo

Harry looked casual in a black Invictus Games polo-shirt with jeans, while Meghan made her own statement by wearing a white shirt called The Husband – designed by her friend Misha Nonoo.

Meghan had previously wrote on her lifestyle blog, Tig, how the shirt was her ‘very favourite button-down,’ Mr Morton told.  As a sign of things to some, the shirt proved a  popular fashion choice that soon sold out.

Even her bag was carefully chosen and was a light brown Everlane tote – a company that pushes for sustainable fashion. 

Meghan appeared by Harry’s side again at the closing ceremony of the Games.

She sat in a darkened VIP box at the side of the stage with her friend, Canadian stylist Jessica Mulroney, and her mother, Doria Ragland.

In one romantic moment, Harry was seen kissing his girlfriend on the cheek before leaving her in their box to go down to the stage to give his closing speech. 

As he spoke, Meghan and her mother could be seen clapping enthusiastically as they stood together in their box, the Mail reported at the time. 

The initial photocall seemed to be a success and Harry and Meghan announced their engagement just two months later. 

Harry guiding Meghan during their first official appearance together, she is wearing ripped denim jeans and sunglasses

Meghan and Harry smiling during their first engagement together

On November 27, 2017 they stood together in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace and spoke about their exciting news.

Meghan stroked Harry’s arm as they spoke to reporters, who asked him: ‘When did you know she was the one?’ and he replied: ‘From the very first time we met’. 

It was a big step from meeting through a blind date reportedly arranged by a friend the year before.

Harry and Meghan married onSaturday, May 19, 2018 in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.