Meghan Markle has been under intense public scrutiny since she and Prince Harry began dating—a spotlight that only intensified after they left England and stepped away from the royal family.

The couple’s story began in 2016 when a mutual friend introduced them, hoping they would hit it off and perhaps start a romantic relationship.

It wasn’t long before their romance became public, catapulting Meghan into the global spotlight as the woman dating the world’s most eligible bachelor.

Although Meghan was already a recognized figure in Hollywood, her fame skyrocketed as curiosity about their relationship spread worldwide.

Their whirlwind romance and rapid engagement captivated the public. In May 2018, they wed in a highly anticipated ceremony, and by October of that year, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child.

Joining the British royal family presented significant challenges for Meghan. She had to adapt to a vastly different lifestyle, navigate numerous restrictions, and face skepticism from some who didn’t accept her as a royal due to her background as an American and a Black actress.