Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in 2018, with their relationship playing out in the public eye – from their first date to their upcoming Nigerian trip

Prince Harry is attending an Invictus Games event alone in the UK today (Wednesday, May 8) after Meghan Markle opted to stay stateside with their children, Archie and Lilibet.

The Duke returned to his home country on Tuesday ahead of the Invictus Games event at St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s speculated the former Suits star steered clear of any UK return in order to avoid stealing the limelight from the occasion.

PR expert Lynn Carratt previously told us: “Meghan likely didn’t want to take the spotlight away from Harry on this important occasion, and she knew that her presence could attract all the attention and she knows there is some hostility towards her in the UK.”

Here, we look at how Meghan and Harry’s relationship has changed – from their initial public outing, to her no-show this time around.

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READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could have bombshells exposed in upcoming documentary

Meghan watches Harry play polo

In 2017, Prince Harry was cheered on by Meghan Markle at the Audi Polo Challenge at Coworth Park Polo Club in Ascot, England. The former Suits actress cut a proud figure as their relationship continued to blossom.

She was seen smiling on the sidelines as Harry got involved in the action. The appearance marked the first time the pair had attended a public event together.

Harry and Meghan tie the knot

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in 2018 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Just a year later, the pair were reciting their vows in what was one of the world’s most anticipated weddings. In May 2018, the joyful couple said I Do at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Chapel. Just months later the news broke they were expecting a baby in Spring of 2019. The couple are currently parents to Archie, five, and Lilibet, two.

The timing of the Archie announcement came as Harry and Meghan arrived in Australia for their first royal tour. At the time, Harry gushed over his wife in a sweet speech in which they announced their baby news.

Harry and Meghan are no longer ‘openly affectionate’ in public

Earlier this year, it was claimed the couple’s relationship had evolved as they stopped being so publicly intimate together. Body language expert Darren Stanton claimed there had been a visible decrease in physical intimacy from The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex compared to years gone by, explaining that they are “not being as tactile with one another” as their “relationship has evolved.”

Talking to Hello! in January for Betfair Bingo Darren said: “Harry and Megan’s relationship has evolved. When looking at their body language, their public displays of affection have changed drastically over the years.

“When they started dating and became more established as an official couple, they were very affectionate in public, almost more affectionate than William and Kate.” The expert confirmed that while Harry and Meghan still give fans a glimpse of their intimacy they have become far more private about their personal lives.”

Harry and Meghan’s renewed strong ties

The pair share a kiss as Meghan presents Harry with the trophy ( 
Image:
PA)
Despite a perceived lack of passionate public displays, it’s thought the couple are as strong as ever. In April, Darren said the couple had went back to old ways and were showing they are in a “strong place”.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, he spoke of five change that he has spotted in the couple’s relationship. He said: “From a non verbal perspective, Harry and Meghan have appeared a lot stronger in recent months. There used to be some distance between them during previous events, there weren’t many PDA moments between them or touches of affection.

“However, that has totally changed.” Speaking about images after they had attended the Royal Salute Polo Challenge benefitting Sentebale at Grand Champions Polo Club on April 12, he said: “I noticed in one of the pictures, he had his hand on her back and neck, which is quite an intimate gesture to make in front of the public.”

Harry was also seen kissing his wife as she handed over the winners’ trophy.

Harry’s solo UK trips

Prince Harry was in the UK alone ( 
Image:
Getty Images for The Invictus Ga)DON’T MISS

Despite Harry having to make a number of solo trips to the UK in 2024, the couple have continued to showcase their strong bonds in other public shows. Earlier this year they beamed for the camera as they headed to Canada for an Invictus Games event. They also were keen to show their togetherness at another Polo event last month. It’s thought Netflix cameras were at the ceremony filming Harry as he took part in a charity game once again, bringing their relationship timeline full circle.

Next up for the duo is a trip to Nigeria. It’s believed the Sussexes will be travelling with a team of people from the Archewell company and it’s thought they’ll be residing in a lavish hotel during their visit.