How the royal split played out in public
November 2016
Meghan Markle is revealed as Prince Harry’s girlfriend. The Prince issues a statement criticising the media: “The past week has seen a line crossed. His girlfriend, Meghan Markle, has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment.” Prince William publicly backs him up in separate comments.
February 2018
Three months before Prince Harry and Ms Markle’s wedding, they and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appear for their only on-stage appearance together at the Royal Foundation, joking that disagreements between them come “thick and fast” but that they are “joined together for life”.
October 2018
Rumours emerge about disagreements between the Cambridges and Sussexes, and of “difficult” behaviour behind the scenes.
December 2018
The “fab four” jointly walk to church at Sandringham.
March 2019
Kensington Palace splits in two. A palace statement says: “The Queen has agreed to the creation of a new household for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, following their marriage.”
October 2019
The Duke of Sussex issues a bombshell statement in South Africa, again criticising the media and announcing legal action against a tabloid. “I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.” Later in the South Africa tour, he tells ITV that he and his brother are on “different paths”.
January 2020
The Sussexes confirm they are leaving the Royal family, after a leak to The Sun about their plans.
“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal family ... while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen,” they said. The Queen said: “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.”
November 2021 Evidence in the Duchess of Sussex’s privacy case against The Mail on Sunday reveals messages complaining about the Royal family “berating” the Duke for the actions of Thomas Markle, her father.
March 2021
The Sussexes appear on Oprah, sharing a story about a member of the Royal family asking about the colour of their future baby’s skin. It leads to the Duke of Cambridge being asked on camera about the allegations, saying: “We are very much not a racist family.”