TURNING POINT

As they mark seven years of marriage, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex publicly celebrate their love – but the couple are not yet through their recent tough times

- REPORT: LAURA BENJAMIN

When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry married at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018, their fairytale ceremony captured the world’s imagination. Nearly two billion people watched as they tied the knot inside St. George’s Chapel in front of a host of Royal Family members (then-Prince Charles gave the bride away) and celebrity guests, including Oprah Winfrey and George and Amal Clooney.

As the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex rode off in a vintage E-type Jaguar for a lavish reception at Frogmore House, it seemed the world was their oyster.

Celebrating their wedding anniversary recently – the couple are understood to have gone on a romantic spa break in Arizona Meghan paid tribute to their love by posting a corkboard full of images of herself, Harry and their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, on Instagram.

“Seven years of marriage,” she wrote. “A lifetime of stories. Thanks to all of you (whether by our side or from afar) who have loved and supported us throughout our love story we appreciate you. Happy anniversary!”

Although there have been many magical moments for the pair since they said “I do” seven years ago notably the births of their two children married life hasn't been entirely smooth sailing. “Their wedding at Windsor was a global moment of celebration, but what's followed has been anything but a fairytale,” Robert Jobson, bestselling author of Catherine: The Princess of Wales, tells Hello! “They've weathered royal rifts, media storms and much criticism. Yet, through it all, one thing has stayed constant: their loyalty and love for each other. They've faced pressures that few couples ever will, but it seems that they've come through it with a deeper bond and real clarity about who they are as a couple.”