In May 2017, sparks flew between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a charity polo match.
The former Suits actress attended the Audi Polo Challenge at Coworth Park in Ascot to watch Harry and Prince William compete.
Harry and Meghan appeared completely smitten as they shared affectionate moments on the sidelines.
Meghan, keeping a low profile in dark sunglasses, exchanged a few words with Harry before he pulled her in for a kiss.
Her presence seemed to give him a welcome boost, as he and William led their team to victory on the second day of the tournament.
The couple also attended the first day of matches, marking their first public appearance together and signalling the growing seriousness of their relationship.
Meghan was introduced to some of Harry’s closest confidants and seemed at ease as she chatted with his mentor, former Army officer Mark Dyer.
Wearing a navy blue Antonio Berardi dress with an asymmetric hem and ankle-tie stilettos, she clapped and cheered while Harry displayed his polo skills.
In May 2017, sparks flew between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during a charity polo match in Ascot
The royal brothers, who were then on good terms, looked relaxed as they inspected their mallets and helmets before mounting their horses with the help of an aide.
Dressed in matching white and grey polo shirts, they moved effortlessly around the field.
The event took place just a month before Meghan shut down her lifestyle blog, The Tig, marking a shift in her public persona.
While senior members of the monarchy have official social media accounts, they are typically managed by household teams and do not feature personal updates.
Announcing the closure on The Tig’s homepage and her Instagram, Meghan wrote an emotional farewell:
‘After close to three beautiful years on this adventure with you, it’s time to say goodbye to The Tig.
‘What began as a passion project (my little engine that could) evolved into an amazing community of inspiration, support, fun and frivolity.’
She went on to thank her followers and contributors for their support since launching the blog in 2014.
Meghan’s presence seemed to give Harry a welcome boost, as he and William led their team to victory on the second day of the tournament
The former actress was introduced to some of Harry’s closest confidants and seemed at ease as she chatted with his mentor, former Army officer Mark Dyer
Meghan appeared completely smitten after Harry pulled her in for a kiss on the sidelines before leading his team to victory
The royal brothers, who were then on good terms, looked relaxed as they walked across the pitch
‘You’ve made my days brighter and filled this experience with so much joy,’ she continued.
‘Keep finding those Tig moments of discovery, keep laughing and taking risks, and keep being ‘the change you wish to see in the world.’
‘Above all, don’t ever forget your worth – as I’ve told you time and time again: you, my sweet friend, you are enough. Thank you for everything.’
The actress signed the note ‘Xx Meghan Markle’, and a page featuring her letter along with a collage of images is now the only thing left on the site.
