Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie had a traditional royal wedding in 1999, but the early days of their romance were decidedly less formal.
Queen Elizabeth II‘s youngest son first met Sophie in 1987 when she was working as a press officer at Capital Radio. At the time, Edward was dating Sophie’s friend, but when the duo reconnected in 1993, they were both single.
After dating for six years, Edward popped the question in December 1998 while the pair were on vacation in the Bahamas. When they publicly announced their engagement the following month, Sophie had a simple explanation for why the two hit it off. “I think we share a number of interests, we laugh a lot and we have a great friendship,” she explained in an interview.
The University of Cambridge graduate and the former publicist tied the knot in June 1999 at St George’s Chapel. Three years later, Sophie ceased working in public relations and became a full-time working royal.
Keep scrolling for a look back at Edward and Sophie’s complete relationship timeline.