Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's love story [1] is straight out of a fairy tale. The couple first began dating [2] in 2016 after getting set up by a mutual friend, and by May 2018, they were were married [3]. Together, Harry and Meghan have hit so many royal milestones [4] — like their Buckingham Palace balcony debut [5] and their first Royal Ascot [6], for instance — but what makes these moments even sweeter is seeing them side by side with Prince William and Kate Middleton's. Keep reading to see how Harry and Meghan's royal milestones stack up to Will and Kate's ahead.
Will and Kate's Engagement Photocall
After formally announcing their engagement [8], Will and Kate stepped out for a celebratory appearance [9] at St. James's Palace in November 2010.
Harry and Meghan's Engagement Photocall
Harry and Meghan also did the same [10] in November 2017, only they opted for Kensington Palace's Sunken Gardens [11].
Will and Kate's First Royal Engagement
The couple's first official engagement [15] was in December 2010 when Will and Kate attended a Christmas event for the Teenage Cancer Trust in Fakenham, England.
Harry and Meghan's First Royal Engagement
Less than a week after announcing their engagement, Harry and Meghan stepped out for their first royal appearance together in Nottingham, England. Unlike Will and Kate, Harry and Meghan showed plenty of PDA [16].
Will and Kate's First Christmas Service at Sandringham Together
The first time Will brought Kate along for the royal family's annual Christmas service at Sandringham was in December 2011. Just like Trooping the Colour, only married couples can attend.
Harry and Meghan's First Christmas Service at Sandringham Together
However, the queen did make an exception for Harry and Meghan [17] in December 2017 when she allowed the duchess to attend before their May 2018 nuptials.
Will and Kate's First Royal Visit to Scotland Together
In February 2011, the pair returned to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland to launch a fundraising campaign for a new scholarship. The school holds a special place in Will and Kate's hearts, given that it's where the couple first met [18].
Harry and Meghan's First Royal Visit to Scotland Together
Harry and Meghan took an exciting trip [19] to Scotland in February 2018. In addition to meeting with the people of Edinburgh, a sassy pony named Cruachan attempted to take a small bite [20] out of Harry. LOL!
Will and Kate's First Commonwealth Day Service Together
Just two months before Princess Charlotte's arrival [21], Will and Kate attended their first Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March 2015.
Harry and Meghan's First Commonwealth Day Service Together
Harry and Meghan attended their first Commonwealth Day service together in March 2018, and it also doubled as Meghan's first official engagement with Queen Elizabeth II [22].
Will and Kate's First Anzac Day Service Together
Will and Kate's first Anzac Day service [23] took place during their tour of Australia and New Zealand in April 2014. The holiday honours all of those who served and died during wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
Harry and Meghan's First Anzac Day Service Together
In April 2018, Harry and Meghan represented the royal family [24] during the service at Hyde Park Corner in London.
Will and Kate's Wedding
One of the most memorable moments in British royal history was when Will and Kate tied the knot [25] at Westminster Abbey in April 2011.
Harry and Meghan's Wedding
Also on the list are Harry and Meghan's May 2018 nuptials [26] at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.
Will and Kate's First Buckingham Palace Garden Party Together
Will and Kate's first garden party at Buckingham Palace took place during the queen's Diamond Jubilee in May 2012.
Harry and Meghan's First Buckingham Palace Garden Party Together
Harry and Meghan's first official appearance [27] as a married couple took place during Prince Charles's 70th birthday celebration, just days after their nuptials. Everything appeared to go smoothly — that is, until a bee went rogue and attacked Harry [28] while he was giving a speech.
Will and Kate's First Trooping the Colour Together
Even though Will and Kate had been dating since college [29], the couple didn't make their debut at Trooping the Colour [30] until June 2011. Royal protocol states that only married couples can attend, so the duo attended two months after their wedding.
Harry and Meghan's First Trooping the Colour Together
Harry and Meghan made their Buckingham Palace balcony debut [31] during Trooping the Colour in June 2018, just one month after tying the knot.
Will and Kate's Royal Ascot Debut
Will and Kate were all smiles [32] during their Royal Ascot debut in June 2016.
Harry and Meghan's Royal Ascot Debut
Two years later, Meghan and Harry made their Royal Ascot debut (in similar outfits, I might add).