Prince Harry's Independence Day gift to Meghan Markle on their second date

As the UK enjoys the aftermath of this year's general election and the USA celebrates another firework-filled Independence Day, the 4th of July holds a special meaning for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle - it commemorates the anniversary of their second date.

During the summer of 2016, when Harry was 39 and Meghan was 42, their first meeting was so delightful that they immediately planned to meet again the following day. To mark the occasion, Harry decided to surprise Meghan with a romantic gesture.

In his memoir Spare, the Duke of Sussex reminisces about the crucial date: "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 shook it. 'What's this? '".

"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."

At that time, Harry was living in the UK while California-born Meghan was working in Canada on her popular legal drama series Suits. Despite the physical distance, their love blossomed quickly, with Harry expressing his determination to make the relationship work and give it a "proper go," according to the Express.

Eight years later, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are happily married and devoted parents to their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. They are enjoying their suburban life in Montecito, California, after stepping back from their royal duties in 2020.