Beyonce and Jay-Z: Relationship in pics

As they announce they're expecting their first baby, look back at the superstar couple's romance in photos

As they announce they're expecting their first baby, look back at the superstar couple's romance in photos

2002

Whispers that there was a new celebrity couple on the block started back in 2002, when Jay-Z and Beyonce collaborated on his track, Bonnie & Clyde. The coy pair kept their relationship under wraps in the early days, eluding the paparazzi and refusing to comment on the rumours.

2003

Although they don't publicly acknowledge that they are together, 2003 saw Beyonce and Jay-Z being spotted together at a string of events, including courtside at the US Open.

2003

Although they don't publicly acknowledge that they are together, 2003 saw Beyonce and Jay-Z being spotted together at a string of events, including courtside at the US Open.

2003

Professionally, Bey and Jay were all over the place, with the rap star appearing on the songstress's very first solo single, Crazy in Love. The collaboration led to an array of steamy on-stage appearances.

2003

Taking their romance to fashion week, the couple made their front row debut beside the New York runway in September 2003.

2004

Jay-Z and Beyonce made their red carpet debut as a couple at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards. Seven years later, the couple would choose the very same awards show to announce some very special news - that they're expecting their first baby.

2005

Cementing their status as one of Hollywood's hottest couples, Jay and Beyonce attended the 2005 Oscars together and happily posed for the sea of waiting cameras.

2005

At the Oscars after-party, Bey switched to a pretty pale blue gown, while her beau kept a protective arm around his wife.

2006

A 2006 BET performance reminded the world that Beyonce and Jay-Z led the pack when it came to hot Hollywood couples.

2006

The couple teamed up for a sizzling performance at 2006's Fashion Rocks events in New York.

2007

At the 2007 Golden Globes, the couple dodged red carpet posing, but were spotted cosying up inside the event.

2008

In 2008, Jay-Z and Beyonce became man and wife, marrying secretly in New York. Although the pair refused to comment on their nuptials for months, Bey later said, 'We've been together a long time?We always knew it would happen.'

2008

When Bey stepped out at the premiere of her new movie, Cadillac Records, Jay was naturally at her side for support.

2009

In 2009, Jay celebrated a milestone - turning the big 4-0. Partying in style, he threw a birthday bash to remember, inviting a host of famous friends from Kanye West to Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys, P Diddy and Kate Hudson to a Scarface themed bash. Beyonce and his mum, Gloria, were proudly named as the night's guests of honour.

2009

As vocal supporters of Barack Obama, it was no surprise to clock Jay-Z and Beyonce in the crowd as inauguration festivities kicked off. Ms Knowles later provided the star entertainment, serenading the new President and First Lady Michelle with their favourite song, At Last, at the inauguration ball.

2010

In 2010, Bey and Jay's status as one of the most powerful celebrity pairings was cemented by Forbes magazine, which named them the top-earning showbiz couple. The power pair's combined earnings between June 2008 and June 2009 totalled £75.1m, with Beyonce making the lion's share, amassing a huge £53.9, following an album release, touring and starring in and co-producing the movie Obsessed.

2010

As Bey kicked off her 2010 I Am... world tour, her hubbie was on hand to offer some back up, hitting the stage for a rendition of their 2003 duet, Bonnie & Clyde.

2010

2010 became a great year for the couple, with Bey bagging six Grammys - becoming the only female artist to win six trophies in one night. Thanking her hubbie on stage, she shouts out, 'I love you'.

2010

It's no surprise that the couple are more likely to be spotted courtside than on the red carpet - Jay is co-owner of NBA team, the New Jersey Nets.

2010

With Bey taking a nine-month break from her career, the couple take the chance to travel the world, visiting Australia in December. Hinting of family plans, she later said of the trip,  'It was great to be a wife and travel with (my husband).. I did it for my sanity, my life, my relationships, my nephew, my husband, my sister and my friendships.' She added, 'Now I'm a woman, and because I gave it my all, I can focus on my marriage. I can decide I want to have kids. I can be the mother I want to be and dedicate myself to my children.'

2011

The glam pair got their glad rags on for a joint appearance at one of fashion's biggest night's of the year - the 2011 Met Costume Institute Gala in New York.