In a heartfelt moment captured in her latest Netflix series, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has opened up about the early days of her whirlwind romance with Prince Harry. During a candid conversation on the show “With Love, Meghan,” she disclosed that it was Harry who first uttered those three magical words: “I love you.” The revelation came while chatting with fashion expert Tan France, as they reflected on the couple’s third date—a five-day camping adventure in the wilds of Botswana back in 2016. This trip, filled with starry nights, wildlife encounters, and intimate tent-side talks, not only marked a pivotal point in their relationship but also solidified their bond in ways that would shape their future together.
The story of Harry and Meghan’s love affair began in the summer of 2016, a time when both were navigating busy lives on opposite sides of the Atlantic. Meghan, then an actress starring in the hit legal drama “Suits,” was based in Toronto, Canada, while Harry was immersed in his royal duties and conservation efforts in the UK and Africa. Their paths crossed through a mutual friend who set them up on a blind date in London. From the outset, sparks flew. Their first meeting was electric, filled with easy conversation and shared laughter that stretched late into the night. Meghan later recalled how Harry’s genuine interest in her life and passions made her feel seen in a way she hadn’t before.
Just days after their initial encounter, they arranged a second date on July 4, 2016—America’s Independence Day. In a sweet gesture that highlighted Harry’s thoughtfulness, he surprised Meghan with cupcakes decorated in red, white, and blue to celebrate the holiday. It was a lighthearted nod to her American roots, and the pair spent the evening enjoying each other’s company, away from prying eyes. At that point, their connection was deepening rapidly, but with demanding schedules ahead, they faced a challenge: how to nurture this budding romance across continents.
That’s when fate—or perhaps a bit of serendipity—intervened. Both discovered they had the same week free in their calendars. Harry, passionate about wildlife conservation and with deep ties to Africa, suggested something unconventional for a third date: a trip to Botswana. “I gave her my best Botswana pitch,” Harry has shared in past reflections, describing the country as the “birthplace of all humankind” and a “true garden of Eden,” where 40 percent of the land is dedicated to nature preservation. Meghan, intrigued and adventurous, agreed. It was a bold move—after all, they had only met twice before committing to five days in the remote African bush. But it was exactly this leap of faith that would transform their relationship.
Arriving in Botswana, the couple reunited at a friend’s home before heading into the wilderness. The initial moments were awkward, as Meghan admitted. “What am I doing?” she thought as she boarded the plane, wondering if they’d truly click in such an isolated setting. Harry, equally nervous, greeted her with a simple chicken sandwich—a humble offering that broke the ice. From there, they piled into a Land Cruiser and ventured into the heart of the Okavango Delta, a vast wetland teeming with life. The landscape was breathtaking: endless savannas dotted with acacia trees, rivers alive with hippos and crocodiles, and herds of elephants roaming freely. For Harry, who had visited Botswana multiple times for conservation work, sharing this place was deeply personal. It was where he felt most at peace, far from the rigid protocols of royal life.
Their accommodations were far from luxurious—a small tent pitched in the middle of nowhere, with no cell phone reception, no mirrors, and no proper bathroom. This stripped-down environment forced them to confront each other without distractions or pretenses. “You really get to know somebody when you’re in a little tent together,” Meghan recounted with a smile. Nights were spent under a canopy of stars, the sounds of the wild providing a symphony of rustles and calls. One memorable evening, as they lay in the tent, they heard something large moving outside. “What is that?” Meghan whispered, spotting a shadow. “That’s an elephant,” Harry replied calmly, assuring her they were safe. In that moment, he promised to protect her, a vow that resonated deeply and helped build an unbreakable trust.
As the days unfolded, their interactions grew more natural. They held hands during bumpy jeep rides, shared kisses amid the golden hues of sunset safaris, and opened up about their lives in ways that felt effortless. Without the constant buzz of phones or the weight of public scrutiny, they could simply be Harry and Meghan—not a prince and an actress, but two people falling in love. Harry has described how everything felt “totally normal and natural,” a stark contrast to his previous relationships, which often crumbled under media pressure. For Meghan, the experience was eye-opening; she saw Harry’s vulnerability and passion for the world around him, qualities that made her realize he was someone special.
It was during this idyllic escape that Harry first expressed his love. As Meghan revealed in her Netflix series, responding to Tan France’s playful question about who said “I love you” first, she blushed and confirmed it was Harry. “Yes, that was on our third date,” she said, referring to the Botswana adventure. The exact moment isn’t detailed, but it’s easy to imagine it happening under the vast African sky, perhaps as they watched a herd of zebras graze or listened to the distant roar of lions. Meghan knew then that she was falling for him, describing how the stars above seemed to align with their growing affection. Harry, too, has spoken of realizing Meghan was his “soulmate” during that trip, a sentiment that echoed through their later years.
The Botswana safari wasn’t just a romantic getaway; it was a crucible that tested and strengthened their connection. Away from the world’s gaze, they learned to communicate openly, navigate uncertainties together, and appreciate the simple joys of companionship. This foundation proved crucial as their relationship soon faced intense public scrutiny. By October 2016, news of their romance leaked, unleashing a torrent of media attention that Harry fiercely condemned in a rare public statement, criticizing the harassment Meghan endured. Yet, the memories of those five days in the bush sustained them, reminding them of the pure, unfiltered love they shared.
From there, their story accelerated. They went public in November 2016, and Harry proposed in November 2017 during a cozy evening at their Kensington Palace cottage. Meghan recalled the night fondly, even joking about her “horrible” attempt at roasting a chicken—proof that love thrives on imperfection. Their wedding in May 2018 at Windsor Castle was a global spectacle, blending royal tradition with modern touches, including a gospel choir and Meghan’s independent walk down part of the aisle. The couple welcomed their son, Archie, in 2019, and daughter, Lilibet, in 2021, building a life that balanced philanthropy, family, and advocacy.
Reflecting on that 2016 safari today, it’s clear how pivotal it was. Botswana remains a touchstone for them—Harry sourced a diamond from the country for Meghan’s engagement ring, symbolizing the enduring spark from their early days. In “With Love, Meghan,” the Duchess shares how the trip taught her about vulnerability and partnership, lessons that have guided them through challenges, including their decision to step back from senior royal roles in 2020 and relocate to California.
Harry and Meghan’s romance is a modern fairy tale, one that began not in a palace but in a tent amid the African wilderness. Meghan’s recent revelation about Harry confessing his love first adds another layer to their enduring story, reminding us that even in the spotlight, love can bloom in the most unexpected places. As they continue to forge their path, that romantic day in Botswana stands as a testament to the power of taking risks, embracing adventure, and saying those three little words when the moment feels right.
