While attention is currently focused on Prince Harry's return to the UK with Meghan Markle after six years of living in California, the beginnings of their love story once captivated the globe.
When Prince Harry first announced his relationship with former Suits actress Meghan Markle, the news made royal waves. Even his closest family members, including Prince William and Princess Kate, were caught off guard – and not for the reason you might expect...
How did they react?
In his explosive memoir Spare, which was released in 2023, the Duke of Sussex recounted the moment he finally shared that he was dating someone new with Prince William and Kate, and their reaction was priceless.
According to Harry, the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had already sensed that "something was going on" when he joined them for dinner one evening.
When he "casually mentioned that there was ... a new woman in my life," their curiosity immediately piqued. "'Who is she?'" they eagerly asked. Harry admitted he initially wanted them to "keep it a secret" before divulging any more details.
© Getty ImagesHe then revealed: "She's an actress. 'Oh?' She's American. 'Oh.' On a show called Suits."
Harry went on to describe how "their mouths fell open," and after a shared glance, Prince William turned to his younger brother and exclaimed: "'[Explicit] off?'"
© GettyWhile Harry was initially "baffled" by his brother's colourful reaction, the reason soon became clear. William and Kate confessed that they were "regular - nay, religious - viewers" of Meghan's hit legal drama, Suits.
Harry recalled his surprise, writing: "All this time I'd thought Willy and Kate might not welcome Meg into the family, but now I had to worry about them hounding her for an autograph."
He added that the royal couple "barraged" him with questions about his then-girlfriend.
Harry and Meghan's love story
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's whirlwind romance began in 2016 when the couple were introduced by a mutual friend. A year later, their engagement was announced.
© Karwai TangPrince Harry and Meghan tied the knot at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on May 19 2018. But the pair stepped away from the working monarchy less than two years later for a new life in the US.
Harry has faced a lengthy rift with his brother, Prince William, and an estrangement from his father, the King, telling a BBC interview how Charles will not speak to him.
Will the fractured bond be repaired?
However, since stepping down as working royals in 2020 and moving to California with their family, the close relationship has become somewhat strained. In recent years, the Sussexes have aired allegations and grievances against the monarchy and members of Harry's family.
© Chris JacksonThe breakdown in Prince Harry and Prince William's bond can be traced back to the early period of Harry's relationship with his wife Meghan, when his then-fiancée had a falling out with the Princess of Wales in the run-up to the Sussexes' wedding.
Now that Harry and Meghan have returned to the UK, only time will tell whether they will reconcile with William and Kate.
