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When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met on a blind date in July 2016, they fell hard and fast for each other. “I fell in love with Meghan so incredibly quickly,” Harry, 33, told the BBC in
the couple’s joint engagement interview on Monday. “It was a confirmation to me that all the stars were aligned.” In Meghan, Harry found someone who shares his focus on humanitarian issues —
common ground that would provide the foundation of their relationship. “They are blissfully happy together and have been since the very beginning,” a source tells PEOPLE in this week’s
cover story. “There really are no two people as made for each other as they are. They share such a passion for philanthropy and helping others — that really was the bond that made everything
click.” Meghan, 36, has partnered with global groups like the United Nations and World Vision, while Harry has found purpose and passion since launching his Invicuts Games for wounded
service members. He has also taken up the mantle for causes close to his late mother, Princess Diana — and on Tuesday, Kensington Palace announced that Meghan will join Harry for an event
honoring World AIDS Day this Friday. In the same briefing, Kensington Palace spokesman Jason Knauf noted that Meghan will give up her previous charitable associations as she transitions into
her partnership with Harry. _For much more on Meghan and Harry’s royal engagement, pick up this week’s issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, and watch the PeopleTV special on their
romance_ “Ms. Markle is incredibly grateful for the opportunities that she has had with World Vision Canada and UN Women,” Knauf said. “Through those organizations, she has been able to meet
incredible smaller organizations around the world — but she has made the decision that she wants to start a clean slate and focus on the U.K. and getting to know this country and traveling
around the Commonwealth.” The royal bride-to-be “is perfect for [Harry] and will be great by his side as they do charity work together,” adds a royal family friend. Also on Tuesday,
Kensington Palace said in a briefing that the couple are still sorting out their Christmas plans and that they will be announced in the coming weeks. “Knowing Harry, I wouldn’t be surprised
if he jets off to L.A. at Christmas or around Christmas to spend time with her family,” says another insider. • REPORTING BY SIMON PERRY, MONIQUE JESSEN AND PATRICK GOMEZ