Meghan Markle and Prince Harry wait: 13 of their best moments so far

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had a busy year!

Eleven months after the announcement of their engagement and nearly five months after their wedding, Kensington Palace announced Monday morning that members of the royal family were expecting their first child next year.

Markle is pregnant about 12 weeks, depending on the palace, and must give birth in the spring.

"Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this good news with the public," the palace added in a tweet. .

The 37 year old Duchess of Sussex and the 34 year old Duke did not hide that they were excited about becoming parents. Harry said last year: "One step at a time, and we hope to start a family in the near future."

But first, there is still a lot to do. The couple is currently on a 16-day tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.

While the photos of the newlyweds are sure to delight the royal audience of the next two or three weeks, here is an overview of their sweetest moments since last year.

Officially official

Chris Jackson / Getty Images

Harry and Markle met for the first time in 2016 but kept their relationship quiet for a while. Finally, in September 2017, they appeared in public for the first time as a couple, Meghan supporting her boyfriend of the time at the Invictus Games in Toronto, where she shot for several years her television show "Suits".

"We are a couple," she told Vanity Fair this month. "I was in love, I'm sure there will be a time when we will have to introduce ourselves and tell stories, but I hope people will understand that it's our time, this is for us. that makes it so special, it's just ours, but we are happy.I personally love a great love story.

Engaged!

On November 27, 2017, Harry and Markle announced their engagement, with the American actress unveiling her brand new sparkler. The central stone of the ring comes from Botswana, a country of particular importance to the couple. She is flanked by two diamonds that belonged to Harry's mother, the late Princess Diana.

"The small diamonds on each side come from my mother's jewelry collection to make sure she's with us on this crazy journey together," Harry said at the time.

Eddie Mulholland / Pool via AP

Joy behind the scenes

After their engagement photo shoot, the couple sat down for an interview with BBC's Mishal Husain, during which he laughed and held hands. Markle explained that she had officially settled in the UK to be with her future husband and that she was looking forward to her "new chapter".

"It's time to team up with you," she told Harry.

Pool via Kensington Palace

It's a framer!

About a month after Harry and Markle announced their intention to get married, Kensington Palace published official portraits of the couple, captured by photographer Alexi Lubomirski. The royal observers were impressed by the intimacy of the shots.

Alexi Lubomirski via AP

Christmas in family

Queen Elizabeth surprised the royal observers by inviting Markle, a native of Los Angeles, to celebrate the Christmas holidays with her royal family in Sandringham, her estate. (The Duchess Kate only took part in the celebration after her marriage to Prince William.) "It was fantastic. [Markle] really appreciated, "said Harry later. The family loved having it there. "

Chris Jackson / Getty Images

Go to work

The newly hired couple began the year 2018 by visiting Cardiff Castle, Wales, on Jan. 18. During their visit, the two men attended a Jukebox Collective dance show.

Ben Brichall / AFP / Getty Images

Tim Rooke / REX / Shutterstock

Become the "Fab Four"

Markle joined Princes Harry and William and Duchess Kate for the first annual Royal Foundation Forum which was held in London on February 28th.

Chris Jackson / Getty Images

Almost married!

The night before Harry and Markle were about to tie the knot, they were both smiling when they arrived at Windsor Castle, their wedding venue.

James Whatling

Presentation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Harry and Markle were married on May 19 at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, in front of guests including Serena Williams, George and Amal Clooney, and Victoria and David Beckham. Harry's brother, Prince William, was named best man. The couple's nephews and nieces, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, also played a role in the ceremony.

Reuters

Reuters

Happiness of the newlyweds

Just months after their marriage, the two men seemed as in love as ever, kissing at the 2018 Sentebale Polo in Windsor on July 26th.

Chris Jackson / Getty Images

Comfortable with friends

On August 4, Meghan's birthday day as well, the royal family is holding hands by leaving the wedding of friends Charlie Van Straubenzee and Daisy Jenks.

Joe Giddens / PA Wire via ZUMA Press