When Harry and Meghan went public: Future Duchess fuelled engagement rumours with shirt choice when she watched Invictus Games in Toronto alongside the Duke seven years ago
They were holding hands, sharing laughs and seemingly enjoying themselves hugely.
Seven years ago today, Prince Harry and his girlfriend Meghan Markle made their first public appearance together.
They had been an item for around a year when they watched competitors take part in the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017.
The couple, who had first met on a blind date in July 2016, looked particularly loved up.
Meghan’s outfit choice of ripped jeans and a white shirt called The Husband – designed by her friend Misha Nonoo – only fuelled rumours that the pair would soon get engaged.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during their first engagement together, at the Invictus Games in 2017
The Prince leaning in to chat to Meghan, who is wearing The Husband shirt by Misha Nonoo
The couple holding hands as they walk to their seats to watch wheelchair tennis
Harry and Meghan arrived at 1.55pm, walking hand in hand, and sat together to watch the wheelchair tennis.
The Prince even kissed his girlfriend on the head as they made their way to their seats.
Once they were sat down, the affection between the couple didn’t stop.
They were seen leaning in close to one another and chatting. Meghan seemed to be a natural when it came to interacting with the public.
She shook hands with a boy sat nearby and greeted children while Harry proudly watched.
The Prince made sure Meghan was at ease by explaining the rules of wheelchair tennis.
The Mail wrote at the time how their appearance was the surest sign yet that a marriage proposal was on the cards for the couple.
Within hours of the couple stepping out together, bookies Ladbrokes had suspended betting on an engagement announcement.
Two months later, the couple’s engagement was duly announced.
Harry guiding Meghan during their first official appearance together, she is wearing a casual look of ripped denim jeans and sunglasses
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 in 2017
It was a change from the night before, when Meghan attended the opening ceremony but had sat away from Harry.
The Prince took his place in the VIP box alongside Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former US First Lady Melania Trump and Ukraine’s then president, Poroshenko.
Meghan instead sat with her close friend Markus Anderson.
It was reported at the time that they sat separately at the official event because they were not yet engaged, in line with royal protocol.
The distance didn’t stop them from showing their love for one another, however.
Meghan and Harry smile as they interact with nearby children during the game
Acting very affectionate towards each other, the couple are seen holding hands
Meghan laughs as she turns towards her boyfriend as they watch proceedings in Toronto
Harry looked at Meghan’s seat multiple times and Meghan beamed with pride when Harry gave his opening speech.
That night Meghan wore a purple dress and a matching $690 Mackage leather jacket over her shoulders.
Their debut appearance would be the start of many more together.
The couple announced their engagement on November 27 the same year and married in the following May.
The couple enjoy a laugh as they chat during their outing in Toronto
Meghan attending the day before and sitting with her close friend, Markus Anderson
In October 2018 the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were expecting their first child.
At the Invictus Games that same month, Meghan played a more active role in the event.
She presented medals to wheelchair basketball winners and and made a speech at the closing ceremony, announcing how happy she was to join the ‘Invictus family.’
Since she and Harry departed life as working royals in 2020 and moved to the US, the couple have continued to jointly champion the Invictus Games.
