Prince Harry and Meghan Markle mark a special relationship milestone this July 4 with a personal twist.
While millions across the United States are enjoying Independence Day this day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are also marking a deeply personal milestone in their relationship.
In his controversial memoir, Spare, Prince Harry looked back on the early days of his romance with Meghan, recounting how the two met through a mutual friend.
Their first date took place at Soho House in London, during one of Meghan's visits to the UK-an evening that clearly left a lasting impression on Harry.
Harry recalled: 'She walked in, wearing a pretty blue sundress with white pinstripes. She was aglow. I stood and said: I bear gifts. A pink box. I held it forward.
'She opened the box. Cupcakes. Red, white and blue cupcakes, to be exact. In honour of Independence Day. I said something about the Brits having a very different view of Independence Day from the Yanks, but, oh, well,' Harry wrote, adding that Meghan said the treats 'looked amazing.'
After the meeting, both agreed to give their budding relationship a serious try, committing to long-distance dating while Meghan remained in the US and Harry continued his royal duties in the UK.
For the unversed, the couple stepped down from their royal roles in 2020 ad settling in California, the couple has embraced American traditions.
Every year, they have celebrated the 4th July with their children, Archie and Lilibet, often seen attending parades and local festivities as a family.