Meghan Markle reveals who said I love you first and how she fell for Prince Harry under the stars

Meghan Markle has offered an intimate glimpse into the early stages of her relationship with Prince Harry, disclosing for the first time that the Duke of Sussex was the one to declare “I love you” during their courtship.

The revelation came in the season two premiere of her Netflix show “With Love, Meghan,” which began streaming this week. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, sat down with “Queer Eye” star Tan France to share personal anecdotes about her marriage, royal milestones, and her life as a mother of two.

Meghan Markle says Harry made the first move in love

During a candid exchange, France asked Markle directly whether she or Harry had been the first to utter the three important words.

“He told me first,” she replied with a smile, adding playfully, “She’s still got it!” as she laughed and flipped her hair, as mentioned in a report by Page Six.

The Duchess went on to describe how she knew she was falling for Harry during their third date in Botswana in 2016, when they went on a camping trip under the stars.

“You really get to know somebody when you’re in a little tent together and there’s like, ‘What is that outside the tent?’ ‘That’s an elephant.’ ‘Are we going to be safe?’ ‘Yeah, you’re safe,’” she recalled, laughing at the memory, Page Six.

Camping in Botswana marked turning point

The trip to Botswana has long been cited as a defining chapter in the couple’s relationship. Away from cameras, royal obligations, and the world’s attention, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spent days together in close quarters, learning about each other in an environment far removed from royal palaces.

Markle said the experience gave her clarity about the relationship. “Yes, that was on our third date. It was the moment when I knew I loved him,” she said.

The Botswana connection has also remained significant for the couple. It was later reported that the diamond in Meghan’s engagement ring included a stone sourced from the African nation.

Cooking mishap before Harry’s proposal

The Duchess also recounted a lighter, self-deprecating anecdote about her cooking skills on the night Harry proposed in 2017.

“I was still having a lot of challenges with the conversion of Celsius and Fahrenheit,” she explained. “I made a horrible chicken that night. Just terrible.”

Despite the culinary mishap, she reflected on the tenderness of the moment. “The point is, you can make a terrible chicken, and someone is still going to appreciate the thought,” Markle said, underscoring how love outweighed perfection.

Rare family anecdotes in new season

The second season of “With Love, Meghan” builds on the success of its debut run, offering carefully chosen insights into the Sussexes’ private lives while steering clear of direct involvement from their children or extended royal family.

Unlike the first season, Prince Harry does not make a cameo in the opening episodes. Instead, Meghan Markle leads the storytelling, weaving in details of their relationship and family milestones.

Among the stories she shared was a recollection of her and Harry’s wedding reception in May 2018, when the couple served fried chicken and other “late-night bites” to guests.

For their first anniversary, Meghan recalled celebrating in a “beautiful little old chapel,” a quiet moment away from the grandeur usually associated with royal occasions.

Parenting and playful humour

The couple are now parents to son Archie, 6, and daughter Lilibet, 4. Markle touched briefly on family life, even joking with Chrissy Teigen during one of the show’s conversations that having a “secret” third child would have been “impressive” to keep under wraps.

Her humour contrasted with the seriousness of their earlier revelations, highlighting the way Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continue to balance openness with privacy.

The significance of the revelation

Royal watchers have noted that Meghan Markle’s disclosure about Harry saying “I love you” first may appear minor, but it contributes to the broader effort by the couple to reclaim their narrative.

Since stepping back as senior royals in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have used media projects — including interviews, a docuseries, and Meghan’s podcast — to tell their side of the story. By sharing small but meaningful anecdotes, they continue to humanise their journey beyond royal protocol.

A glimpse into modern royal romance

Observers say Markle’s willingness to reveal intimate details contrasts sharply with the traditionally private stance of the British royal family. The choice to talk about their Botswana trip, a failed chicken dinner, and affectionate words exchanged early on frames Harry and Meghan as relatable, ordinary partners navigating love and family.

At the same time, critics argue that such revelations risk overexposure, noting the couple’s complex relationship with privacy. Nonetheless, the widespread media coverage of Meghan Markle’s remarks underscores the public appetite for details about their romance.

“With Love, Meghan” continues strong viewership

The first season of “With Love, Meghan” emerged as one of Netflix’s most-watched programmes despite mixed critical reviews. The new season, analysts say, is designed to maintain that momentum by offering personal stories without delving into controversial royal disputes.

Early reactions from viewers suggest the strategy is working, with audiences praising the show’s focus on lifestyle, cooking, and intimate conversations with celebrity guests such as Tan France and Chrissy Teigen.

FAQs

Who said “I love you” first in Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s relationship?

Meghan Markle revealed that it was Prince Harry who first said “I love you” during their early courtship.

When did Meghan Markle realise she was in love with Prince Harry?

Markle said she knew she was in love with Harry during their third date — a camping trip in Botswana in 2016.