Meghan Markle is married to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. The couple married in a civil ceremony and a Windsor Castle ceremony on 19 May 2018. As of their official exit from senior royal duties in 2020, they stepped back from frontline royal roles and moved to the United States, where they have built new professional and philanthropic endeavors. This explainer outlines the timeline, titles, and verifiable milestones of their relationship using widely reported and official sources.
Marriage details and timeline
Meghan and Harry’s wedding included a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall followed by a religious ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Key milestones are documented by the official royal family archives and major news reports at the time. Below is a compact summary of dates and event types that are repeatedly confirmed by official and press sources.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex | Official royal family statement |
| Wedding date | 19 May 2018 | Royal household announcement and press consensus |
| Wedding locations | Windsor Guildhall (civil) and St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle | Official program and royal website |
| First public appearance as married couple | Trooping the Colour rehearsal appearances, June 2018 | Press pool reports and royal communications |
Titles and styles after marriage
Upon marriage, Meghan received several courtesy titles. She became known as Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. She also continued to use her professional name Meghan Markle in many public engagements and interviews. Understanding the use of royal styles helps clarify formal and informal references to her in media and public records.
Style and address guidance
- Formal written address: Your Royal Highness
- Common style: Duchess of Sussex
- Informal and media usage: Meghan (Markle) or Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Public roles and transition
After marrying, the couple carried out hundreds of official engagements across the UK and internationally, focusing on causes such as veterans’ welfare, early childhood development, and gender equity. In early 2020, they announced a transition to a more financially independent life, stepping back from senior duties while maintaining philanthropic work. This shift is documented in royal statements, interviews, and institutional communications.
Notable shared initiatives since marriage
- Invictus Games: Continued patronage and public support for wounded service members
- Mental health advocacy: Joint campaigns including the Heads Together initiative
- Archewell Foundation: Joint philanthropic foundation launched after stepping back from royal duties
Biographical context for context and clarity
Meghan Markle, born in Los Angeles, California, worked as an actress and advocate before marriage. Prince Harry, born 31 August 1984, is the younger son of Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales. Their marriage brought additional global attention to the British monarchy and modernized certain aspects of royal engagement and storytelling. Background details help readers place the relationship in a broader personal and institutional context.
Key sources and reliability notes
Information in this explainer is drawn from official communiqués, royal household records, and consistent reporting across established news organizations. When details show minor variation across outlets, the most frequently confirmed account is presented. For ongoing updates on roles and activities, consult official royal communications and their publicly listed charitable involvements.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is married to Meghan Markle? Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
- When did they marry? 19 May 2018.
- Do they still carry out royal duties? They stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020 but continue select philanthropy and global initiatives.
- What last name does she use? She uses Meghan Markle publicly and, in formal royal contexts, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
- Do they share children? Yes, they have two children: Archie and Lilibet.