Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: A Love Story of Wonder, Growth, and New Beginnings

In a candid and heartwarming interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Meghan Markle opened up about what first attracted her to Prince Harry, revealing the foundations of their relationship that has withstood tremendous public scrutiny and life-altering decisions. “He’s someone who just has this childlike wonder and playfulness,” Meghan, 44, shared with genuine warmth in her voice. “I was so drawn to that, and he brought that out in me.” This playful spirit isn’t just reserved for their personal moments but has become integral to their professional endeavors as well. “That’s translated into every part of our life. Even in business, I want us to play and have fun and explore and be creative,” she explained. What shines through most in Meghan’s words is the profound security she feels in Harry’s love, describing how he loves her “so boldly” and “fully,” with the absolute certainty that “no one in the world loves me more than him, so I know he’s always going to make sure that he has my back.” This foundation of unwavering support has carried them through a journey that began with their meeting in 2016, blossomed into a fairy-tale royal wedding in 2018, and has since been blessed with two children – son Prince Archie, now 6, and daughter Princess Lilibet, 4.

Their love story took a dramatic turn in January 2020 when the couple announced their decision to step back from their roles as “senior” members of the royal family, seeking financial independence and a new chapter away from the constraints and pressures of royal life. This watershed moment led them first to Canada and ultimately to the sun-drenched community of Montecito, California, where they’ve established their family home. The transition came with significant consequences, including the loss of their taxpayer-funded security detail in the UK – a matter that continues to affect their family decisions today. While both Harry and Meghan have made separate returns to British soil since their departure, their children haven’t traveled overseas since 2022, with safety concerns being paramount. Despite Harry’s legal efforts to reinstate security protections for his family during visits to the UK (his appeal was denied in April 2025), the couple remains resolute in prioritizing their children’s safety above all else. This practical approach to protection extends beyond physical security into Meghan’s personal strategies for emotional wellbeing.

The transition from royal life to private citizenship has required Meghan to develop what she describes as “different ways” to protect herself, reflecting both “self-preservation” and natural maturation. One simple yet meaningful change has been the ability to work from home – a privilege she doesn’t take for granted. “My office is right by the kitchen, and I love that I can work from home,” she shared, visibly brightening as she described how little Lilibet “comes and sits on my lap when I’m in the middle of the meeting, whether it’s about P and L for my brand or it’s about something creative.” These seemingly ordinary moments carry extraordinary significance for a woman whose previous life involved rigid protocols and constant public appearances. When asked what values she hopes to impart to her children through witnessing her work, Meghan’s answer revealed much about her own journey: she wants them to understand the “value of being brave.” This courage is demonstrated daily in small, tangible ways that children can grasp. “They saw it when the jam was just a pot on the stove, bubbling,” she said, referring to products from her lifestyle brand, As Ever. With wisdom beyond her years, she reflected, “When you’re young, I think you are a little bit more fearless. As we get older, we lose some of that.”

Indeed, bravery has been a defining characteristic of Meghan’s post-royal career. Since stepping away from royal duties, she has launched multiple successful ventures, including the Archewell Foundation, a non-profit established in 2020 that embodies the couple’s commitment to compassion-driven community service. Their media presence has expanded through lucrative deals with streaming giants Spotify and Netflix, allowing them to shape their own narratives and champion causes close to their hearts. Meghan’s lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, now in its second season, offers glimpses into her approach to living meaningfully and creating beauty in everyday moments. The upcoming holiday special, featuring both Meghan and Harry, promises to showcase their talents for hospitality and celebration. “Being a hostess or a host, it’s about making people feel comfortable,” Meghan explains in the trailer, her philosophy summarized in the invitation to “embrace the special touches that bring joy.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the Sussexes’ current chapter – creating a life filled with intention, warmth, and the special touches that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

What emerges from Meghan’s interview is the portrait of a couple who have weathered tremendous change together, grounded by mutual respect and unwavering support. Their decision to forge their own path outside the royal framework, while controversial to some, has allowed them to design a life more aligned with their personal values and aspirations. In Montecito, they have created a sanctuary where their children can grow up with a measure of normalcy despite their extraordinary heritage. The home-based work environment Meghan cherishes provides not only professional fulfillment but also the irreplaceable opportunity to be present for those small, magical moments of childhood that pass all too quickly. Harry’s “childlike wonder” that first captured Meghan’s heart now finds perfect expression in their role as parents, preserving that spark of joy and spontaneity that royal duties might have dimmed. Their shared creativity flows into their business ventures, philanthropic work, and the thoughtful way they are crafting traditions for their young family.

Perhaps most striking about Meghan’s reflections is the clear evolution from survival to thriving. The couple who once made headlines for stepping back from royal life are now stepping forward into a future of their own design. Their story has shifted from one defined by departure to one characterized by creation – building businesses, supporting causes, raising children, and establishing new traditions. The holiday special that will soon introduce viewers to the Sussexes’ approach to celebration represents more than seasonal content; it symbolizes their embrace of joy despite difficulties, their commitment to making others feel welcome despite having faced exclusion, and their ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and connection. As they continue to navigate their unique position in the public consciousness, Meghan and Harry seem increasingly comfortable in the life they’ve chosen – one where playfulness, creativity, bravery, and above all, love, form the cornerstones of their shared journey. Their story continues to resonate because it speaks to universal desires for authenticity, purpose, and the courage to choose one’s own path, even when that choice comes at considerable cost.