In Honor of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s 7th Anniversary, Here Are 7 Cool Things They’ve Done Since Then

On May 19, 2018, the world watched as Prince Harry wed an American actress, Meghan Markle, in a castle. It was historic, romantic, and—for anyone with a heart and a functioning Wi-Fi signal—completely unforgettable.

Fast-forward seven years, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have established themselves as independent philanthropists and media entrepreneurs despite intense scrutiny from the British tabloids. They’ve weathered royal exile, media pile-ons, Netflix documentaries, and dinner dates at Beyoncé and James Taylor concerts. And they’ve done it with two adorable kids, a very fluffy chicken coop, and much more grace than anyone expected them to muster in the face of that much chaos.

This story is not about the British Royal Family and their Buckingham-level drama. For all the noise, what’s often lost in translation is how much good these two have done since getting married. Not photo ops. Not pageantry. Actual, measurable, real-world impact. So here are seven seriously awesome things Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have done since tying the knot—and no, “flopping around Montecito” is not one of them.

1. They funded emergency relief centers with World Central Kitchen

In December 2020, the Sussexes partnered with José Andrés’s World Central Kitchen to build four permanent “Community Relief Centers” worldwide. These aren’t just pop-up tents—they’re sturdy, sustainable spaces that serve as emergency food kitchens during crises and later transition into community hubs, schools, or clinics. The first center opened in Dominica in early 2021, and the project is about long-term resilience, not just short-term headlines. When climate change hits hard—and it does—this infrastructure saves lives.

2. Prince Harry & Meghan Markle showed up for the LA wildfire victims

During the Los Angeles wildfires, the Archewell Foundation didn’t just issue a statement—they actively supported a wide range of local relief efforts. They funded groups helping displaced families, provided essentials like diapers and hygiene products, and even backed grassroots orgs led by teens like Altadena Girls who were helping their peers recover. They also supported mental health efforts for kids, food security through World Central Kitchen, and housing via the Global Empowerment Mission. 

3. The Sussexes helped rebuild a Dallas women’s shelter after a winter storm

After a brutal storm tore through Texas in early 2021, leaving serious damage in its wake, the Sussexes quietly donated to Genesis Women’s Shelter in Dallas. The funds covered the cost of a new roof at their transitional facility, providing security and shelter for women rebuilding their lives after domestic violence. I

4. Prince Harry & Meghan Markle supported legal aid for children and families

In fall 2024, Harry and Meghan helped sponsor the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles, an event benefiting the Alliance for Children’s Rights. The organization provides free legal support to foster care children and young parents navigating the system. The tournament raised funds and awareness for vulnerable families and helped shine a spotlight on long-term solutions for systemic inequities. 

5. They donated to a shelter for pregnant, homeless women on Mother’s Day

In 2021, while pregnant with Princess Lilibet, Meghan and Harry marked their first U.S. Mother’s Day by supporting Harvest Home, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit helping pregnant women experiencing homelessness. Archewell, in partnership with Procter & Gamble, fulfilled the organization’s entire wishlist—everything from diapers for a year to cleaning supplies for a new facility. 

6. The Duke & Duchess of Sussex launched a global mentoring movement for women returning to work

For Meghan’s 40th birthday, she launched the 40×40 initiative: a global campaign encouraging people to spend 40 minutes mentoring women reentering the workforce post-COVID. The pandemic disproportionately impacted women’s employment, and Meghan’s campaign zeroed in on that economic fallout. Celebs like Adele, Amanda Gorman, Gloria Steinem, and Melissa McCarthy signed on—and so did thousands of people looking to help. 

7. Prince Harry & Meghan Markle invested in tech reform led by young changemakers

In early 2023, Archewell became a founding member of the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund, which raised $2 million to support youth-led organizations working to make the internet safer, healthier, and more humane. Grants ranged from $25,000 to $200,000 and went to groups fighting disinformation, promoting digital literacy, and protecting mental health online. 

TL;DR: They’ve been busy

This is just a fraction of what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have done since their royal exit. So, point them here the next time someone suggests they’re chilling in a garden full of rescue chickens waiting for the next Netflix check.