Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: From acquaintances to romance

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been the centre of media’s attention for months now -- from when their relationship was first speculated to when it finally became public. And while their every move is being criticised and discussed, the very beginning of their romance is still a little bit of a mystery.

Several reports claim that the two met in Toronto during Harry’s promotional tour for the Invictus Games. On the other hand, Los Angeles-born Meghan had already made a home for herself in Toronto because “Suits” -- which she is arguably most known for -- films there. No matter the pretense of their meeting, each evidently caught the other’s eye as reports soon claimed that the two were smitten with each other.

On October 2016, Express UK reported that the 32-year-old royal had been spotted with a smile on his face and a more relaxed aura around him. “He’s happier than he’s been for many years,” a source told the publication. Many speculated that it was because Harry was falling for the 35-year-old American actress.

Then on November, the two were spotted at a Halloween party together in Canada. People Magazine even claimed that Meghan had already met Harry’s father and heir to the British throne, Prince Charles. It was becoming quite evident that the two were getting serious with each other, although neither had publicly confirmed their romantic relationship -- although that was soon about to change.

A few days into the same month, Harry released an official statement via Kensington Palace. It mentioned that Meghan, “his girlfriend,” had been under such scrutiny that it could already be considered harassment and abuse. “Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle’s safety,” it read. “And is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her.” The statement closed with a request that publications reflect about their words before going to print.

After spending the New Year holiday in London, Harry and Meghan went on their first official vacation together. The two spent time in Norway to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. They were well taken care of by Harry’s close friend, Inge Solheim, who was also their guide and consultant for the trip.

But despite all of these rather public situations, the two were only recently caught on camera together. Their first bit of public affection, which was caught by TMZ, was snapped in London. The two dined at the exclusive Soho House, as both Harry and Meghan appear to have shed their bashfulness in front of cameras.