Beyond Winterfell: The Epic Love Story of Kit Harington and Rose Leslie Unveiled

Kit Harington and Rose Leslie crossed paths on the set of Game of Thrones during the filming of season 2 in 2011. Harington portrayed the character Jon Show, while Leslie made frequent appearances as Ygritte from seasons 2 to 4. Although Leslie's character met her demise in 2014, the couple's romantic relationship had already begun behind the scenes.

Following a brief split in 2013, we announced that Harington and Leslie had rekindled their relationship during the summer of 2014. In an interview with Vogue Italia, the Pompeii actor openly discussed his deepening feelings for his co-star.

"In May 2016, Harington enthusiastically expressed his love, attributing it to the awe-inspiring beauty of the country, the enchantment of the Northern Lights, and the undeniable connection formed while working together on the show," he revealed. "When you already have an attraction towards someone and they portray your love interest on-screen, falling in love becomes effortless."

After being in a relationship for five years, the voice actor for How to Train Your Dragon decided to propose to his longtime partner. However, during an interview in October 2017, Harington admitted that he messed up the big moment.

"I had some plans to make it special, like hanging lights on trees and creating a romantic atmosphere," he shared with British TV host Jonathan Ross. "But we were in the countryside, surrounded by a beautiful night sky, enjoying a cozy log fire and red wine, and I got too excited too soon... I'm sorry, that was a terrible choice of words!"

"I had intended to do it the following day with the lights. What I meant to express was that I asked my question prematurely," clarified Harington. "I didn't mean to divulge everything at once."

The couple officially got married in June 2018. Three months later, Harington effusively praised his wife backstage at the 2018 Emmy Awards.

"I encountered my wife during this show, which ultimately granted me the creation of my future family and fundamentally transformed my life," he expressed in September 2018. "That's the utmost significant impact it had on me, and it has utterly revolutionized my existence."

In February 2021, Us verified the couple's family expansion as they joyfully welcomed a baby boy, arriving five months after Leslie disclosed her pregnancy.

While the duo’s love story is magical for GoT fans, Harington and Leslie have gone through their ups and downs.

Scroll down to revisit their relationship timeline:

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From ‘Game of Thrones’ Costars to Husband and Wife: Kit Harington and Rose Leslie’s Relationship Timeline

Love on the set! Kit Harington and Rose Leslie met while filming season 2 of Game of Thrones in 2011.

Harington portrayed Jon Snow in the popular HBO show, while Leslie appeared as Ygritte in seasons 2 to 4. Although Leslie's character was killed off in 2014, the duo started a real-life romance.

In 2013, they briefly ended their relationship, but we exclusively revealed that Harington and Leslie rekindled their love in the summer of 2014. The star of Pompeii later openly discussed falling in love with his fellow cast member in an interview with Vogue Italia.

"Enchanted by the scenic splendor of the country and captivated by the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights, Harington expressed his admiration in May 2016. He confessed, 'When you're already drawn to someone, and then they portray your love interest on the show, it naturally makes falling in love effortless.'

After five years of being together, the voice actor for How to Train Your Dragon mustered the courage to propose to his beloved. Although Leslie accepted the heartfelt proposal, Harington openly admitted during an interview in October 2017 that he stumbled through the pivotal moment."

"I had originally planned to create a romantic setting by hanging lights in the trees and embracing all the romantic elements," he shared with television host Jonathan Ross. "However, we found ourselves in the countryside, surrounded by a breathtaking night sky and a cozy log fire, while enjoying red wine. In my excitement, I proposed sooner than I had intended... My apologies, I realize now that my choice of words was inappropriate!"

"I had intended to propose with the lights the following day. What I meant to convey was that I asked the question prematurely," Harington explained. "Not that I 'blew my load' in the literal sense."

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In June 2018, the couple said their wedding vows. Just three months later, Harington expressed his admiration for his spouse while backstage at the 2018 Emmy Awards.

"I found my wife through this show, which means it has brought me my future family and completely transformed my life," he expressed in September 2018. "That's the most significant impact it has had on me."

In February 2021, it was confirmed by Us that the couple had added a new member to their family as Leslie gave birth to a baby boy, following her announcement of pregnancy five months earlier.

Despite being a fairy-tale love story for Game of Thrones enthusiasts, Harington and Leslie have experienced various challenges and obstacles in their relationship.

Scroll down to revisit their relationship timeline:

Credit: HBO

2011

Harington and Leslie met while filming season 2 of Game of Thrones. 

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August 2012

The costars confirmed dating rumors when they were spotted out together in London in August 2012.

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August 2013

After a year of dating, Harington and Leslie ended their romance in August 2013.

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May 2014

In August 2014, we exclusively revealed that Harington and Leslie had rekindled their romance three months prior. According to an insider, their relationship was currently casual and they were enjoying themselves. However, they were not planning to live together or take any major steps at the time.

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April 2016

The twosome packed on the PDA during their red carpet debut at the 2016 Olivier Awards in London in April 2016. 

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September 2017

Harington and Leslie, who had been in an on-again, off-again relationship for five years, publicly announced their engagement in September 2017. The news was published in The Times' "Forthcoming Marriages" section with the announcement reading, "Mr. K.C. Harington and Miss R.E. Leslie. The engagement is announced between Kit, the younger son of David and Deborah Harington from Worcestershire, and Rose, the middle daughter of Sebastian and Candy Leslie from Aberdeenshire."

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June 2018

The pair tied the knot in Scotland on June 23, 2018.

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November 2018

Reports of an alleged affair between actor Kit Harington and Russian model Olga Vlaslova surfaced five months after their wedding. However, Harington's representative swiftly dismissed these claims in a statement to Us in November 2018.

“The allegations in this story are completely false,” the statement read. “He’s never even been to Luxembourg nor has he ever met Olga Vlaslova.” 

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April 2019

Following the speculation of infidelity, the married couple showcased their unwavering solidarity during Harington's guest appearance on Saturday Night Live. Alongside confessing their love to one another in his opening monologue, the duo sealed the April 2019 episode with an affectionate kiss.

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May 2019

Weeks after the conclusion of the Game of Thrones series, it was revealed that Harington sought professional assistance at a treatment facility. According to his representative's statement in May 2019, Harington made the decision to use this break in his schedule as an opportunity to spend time at a wellness retreat in order to address personal issues. An insider shared with Us at that time that Harington sought treatment for the sake of his relationship with Leslie, as he had been living an unhealthy lifestyle and facing constant stress while relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms. The insider also mentioned Leslie's immense love for Harington and her persistent encouragement for him to seek treatment.

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September 2020

Leslie revealed that she was pregnant with the couple's first child in September 2020, showing off her baby bump in a long black dress in U.K.'s Make magazine.

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October 2020

Leslie excitedly shared her joy of impending motherhood with Harington, expressing to The New York Post her sheer delight, "I am overjoyed about the upcoming arrival and eagerly anticipate the addition of our newest family member!"

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February 2021

“They have had a baby boy and are very, very happy,” Harington’s rep confirmed to Us, announcing the arrival of the couple’s first child.

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August 2021

"The daily routine begins with caring for this little being, and now we form a united front," shared the Eternals actor with Access Hollywood. "Fatherhood constantly surprises me in the sense that we have become a cohesive trio, and that brings forth a fresh set of dynamics we must navigate. With each passing day, as my child grows and evolves, I discover how it transforms me as well. It truly is a remarkable and exquisite experience."

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September 2021

Harington and Leslie wore Saint Laurent and Oscar de la Renta, respectively, at the 2021 Met Gala in September.

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April 2022

Leslie shared with Harper's Bazaar U.K. about the numerous gratifying moments she experienced while observing her partner taking care of their child. The couple had an agreement that whenever their son cried during the night, it was Kit's responsibility to attend to him as Leslie had to wake up early for work. This arrangement brought about a sense of beauty and delight.

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May 2022

Regarding her personal life's influence on The Time Traveler's Wife, she explained in a May 2022 interview with Extra that being in a relationship and having a supportive partner can contribute to a heightened sense of self-assurance. Consequently, this can lead both individuals to evolve and become more grounded over time.

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January 2023

The Louis Vuitton Menswear Fall-Winter 2023-2024 show at Paris Fashion Week was graced by the presence of the former costars. While Leslie chose a sleek all-black ensemble, Harington added a vibrant touch with a yellow blazer adorned with floral buttons.

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February 2023

The Blade star revealed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that Leslie is pregnant with baby No. 2.

"He's incredibly talented, but he's about to experience a life-changing surprise: the arrival of a new sibling," Harington shared about his firstborn son. "I'm filled with a mix of excitement and fear. You know how during the first pregnancy, you feel like you're floating on cloud nine and joyfully frolicking through fields? Well, for the man in the equation, that feeling doesn't last as long this time around. The reality check hits much sooner when you realize you'll be responsible for two little ones."

He added, "I don't think he fully grasps the concept just yet. We're trying to prepare him by pointing to Rose's belly and saying, 'Mummy's baby, Mummy's baby.' In response, he points to his own belly and says, 'My baby.' Well, he'll figure it out soon enough."

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July 2023

Harington's rep confirmed to Page Six that the pair welcomed their second baby, a daughter.