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PHOTOS: 10 of Harry and Meghan's best royal moments from their now-closed Instagram account

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Photo: Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Photo: Getty Images)

When Harry and Meghan split from Kate and William to forge their own royal path back in 2019, they decided the best way to communicate with the world would be by setting up their own Instagram account.

With an image that said, "The official Instagram for Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex," Harry and Meghan wrote on 2 April 2019: "Welcome to our official Instagram; we look forward to sharing the work that drives us, the causes we support, important announcements, and the opportunity to shine a light on key issues. We thank you for your support, and welcome you to @sussexroyal."

They broke a Guinness World Record that day by having the fastest-ever account to gain 1 million followers, so we're sure almost exactly one year later on 31 March, they never would've guessed they'd be sharing their last post.

Harry and Meghan had to give up a lot of things when they stepped down as senior members of the royal family, including use of their HRH titles and "royal" branding, which meant no longer having their Sussex Royal Instagram.

Nostalgic as we are though, amid national lockdown, we thought we'd look back at their ten best royal moments as shown on their now-closed account.

Walk down memory lane with us, will you... 

1. "It's a boy!"

Just one month after starting their Instagram account, Harry and Meghan made a big announcement: "It's a boy!"

On 6 May 2019, the couple welcomed their son, and Harry addressed the media, saying, "It's been the most amazing experience I could ever imagine." 

The couple later revealed they'd named their firstborn: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

2. Happy one-year anniversary!

One year after tying the knot, Harry and Meghan shared never-before-seen pictures of their wedding day with This Little Light of Mine playing in the background.

It's a special song for the duke and duchess – the couple chose it for their recessional.

View this post on Instagram

Happy one year anniversary to Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex! Today marks the one year anniversary of the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their Royal Highnesses exchanged vows at St George’s Chapel within the grounds of Windsor Castle on May 19th, 2018. The selected song “This Little Light of Mine” was chosen by the couple for their recessional. We hope you enjoy reliving this moment, and seeing some behind the scenes photos from this special day. A message from The Duke & Duchess: Thank you for all of the love and support from so many of you around the world. Each of you made this day even more meaningful. Photo credit: Chris Allerton/Joe Short (B&W); PA (color) ©?SussexRoyal (B&W images and video)

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

3. Harry and Meghan's trip to Africa

Harry and Meghan embarked on many tours while part of the royal firm, but their most successful was probably their trip to Africa.

From Nyanga to Bo-Kaap and visiting Archbishop Desmond Tutu, there were too many highlights to choose from.

View this post on Instagram

has come to an end, but The Duke and Duchess have had the opportunity to look back on an incredible 10 days through South Africa, Botswana, Angola and Malawi. Thank you for following along! Their Royal Highness’s journey took them 15,000 miles across southern Africa where they we’re greeted by so many amazing people along the way. They witnessed the great partnership between the UK and Africa, met local community groups, leaders, and youth and elders, who all imparted knowledge and inspiration. On their final day of the tour, The Duchess said: “Please know that you have all given us so much inspiration, so much hope - and above all, you have given us joy.” • During their tour, The Duke and Duchess unveiled three new Queens Commonwealth Canopy projects, protecting forests and planting trees, and worked with the British Government to announce investment of £8m in technology and skills in the region. The Duke traveled to Angola to focus on the ongoing mission to rid the world of landmines, an extension of the work that was pioneered by his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. The Duchess announced gender grants from the Association of Commonwealth Universities to improve access to higher education for women, as well as four scholarships for students studying across the commonwealth. Throughout this trip they were able to join an important and essential conversation about the rights of women and girls - not isolated to Southern Africa, but also globally. Throughout this visit, The Duke and Duchess were struck by the spirit and generosity from every community they visited. Speaking to young entrepreneurs in Tembisa, a township in Johannesburg, The Duke said: “As I raise my own son, I want to make sure that what I’ve learned here – the value of the natural world, the value of community and friendship – is something that I can pass on to him.” • Thank you to everyone who supported from afar, and those who have followed along the way! We hope you enjoy this wrap up video to the tune of a wonderful song by The Soweto Gospel Choir, a favourite of The Duke and Duchess. Video ©? SussexRoyal

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

4. Harry and Ramaphosa share a hug at the Rugby World Cup final

Shortly after Harry met President Cyril Ramaphosa – and the two exchanged (cattle books and pictures you read that right) – the two sat alongside each other at the Rugby World Cup final.

They shared a hug when South Africa became world champions, and Harry wrote on Instagram, "To the whole of South Africa - rugby unites all of us in more ways than we can imagine, and tonight I have no doubt that it will unite all of you. "After last month's visit, I can't think of a nation that deserves it more. Well done and enjoy!"

5. "Looking back at 2019..."

A baby, first anniversary and an unforgettable tour – it was an incredible year for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

They celebrated 2019 with a throwback video of their best moments – and a new picture of Harry and Archie!

6. Harry and Meghan step down as senior members of the royal family

On 8 January 2020, Harry and Meghan revealed their intentions to step down as senior members of the royal family.

View this post on Instagram

“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio) Image © PA

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

Panic ensued within the royal firm, and after many meetings were held, the queen decided the duke and duchess would lose their HRH titles and give up their sovereign funds with their decision.

7. Harry addresses the public for the first time

At a dinner for supporters of Sentebale in London, Harry spoke publicly for the first time since the announcement was made saying he was doing what was best for his family.

He said, with a deep sigh: "We are taking a leap of faith, but thank you for giving me the courage to take this next step."

8. Harry and Meghan begin their farewell tour

Harry and Meghan made quite a few appearances in their last week before officially wrapping up their duties as senior royals on 9 March at the Commonwealth Day service.

All eyes were on them – and they certainly went out with a bang.

9. Their focus shifts one last time

Every month over the course of having their Sussex Royal Account, Harry and Meghan would choose a focus – their very last was to share as many resources as they could to help battle the coronavirus pandemic.

Breaking their silence since their last engagement as senior members of the royal family, they wrote, "This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit," reminding their followers, "We are all in this together."

View this post on Instagram

These are uncertain times. And now, more than ever, we need each other. We need each other for truth, for support, and to feel less alone during a time that can honestly feel quite scary. There are so many around the world who need support right now, who are working tirelessly to respond to this crisis behind the scenes, on the frontline, or at home. Our willingness, as a people, to step up in the face of what we are all experiencing with COVID-19 is awe-inspiring. This moment is as true a testament there is to the human spirit. We often speak of compassion. All of our lives are in some way affected by this, uniting each of us globally. How we approach each other and our communities with empathy and kindness is indisputably important right now. Over the coming weeks, this will be our guiding principle. We will be sharing information and resources to help all of us navigate the uncertainty: from posting accurate information and facts from trusted experts, to learning about measures we can take to keep ourselves and our families healthy, to working with organisations that can support our mental and emotional well-being. In addition, we will focus on the inspiring stories of how so many of you around the world are connecting in ways big and small to lift all of us up. We are all in this together, and as a global community we can support each other through this process – and build a digital neighbourhood that feels safe for every one of us. We look forward to sharing more over the days and weeks to come...

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

10. One last goodbye

On 30 March 2020, Harry and Meghan officially signed off and posted for the last time on their Instagram account.

"While you may not see us here, the work continues," they wrote.

"Until then, please take good care of yourselves, and of one another.

"Harry and Meghan." 

View this post on Instagram

As we can all feel, the world at this moment seems extraordinarily fragile. Yet we are confident that every human being has the potential and opportunity to make a difference—as seen now across the globe, in our families, our communities and those on the front line—together we can lift each other up to realise the fullness of that promise. What’s most important right now is the health and wellbeing of everyone across the globe and finding solutions for the many issues that have presented themselves as a result of this pandemic. As we all find the part we are to play in this global shift and changing of habits, we are focusing this new chapter to understand how we can best contribute. While you may not see us here, the work continues. Thank you to this community - for the support, the inspiration and the shared commitment to the good in the world. We look forward to reconnecting with you soon. You’ve been great! Until then, please take good care of yourselves, and of one another. Harry and Meghan

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on

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