Transcription
You're all Highness, Megan Markel. Congratulations to both. Thank you. Can we start with the proposal and the actual moment of your engagement? When did it happen? How did it happen?
It happened a few weeks ago, this month, here at our cottage. The standard, typical night for roasting chicken. And chicken. And it was just, just an amazing surprise. It was so sweet and natural and very romantic. He got on one knee. Yes. Yes. As a matter of fact, I could barely let you finish proposing. So, can I say yes? Ma'am, let me finish. And then those hugs. And I have the ring on my finger. And I was like, "Can I give you the ring?" She was all, "Yes, the ready." So, no reason. It was a really nice moment, just the two of us. And I think I managed to catch it, catch it by surprise as well.
Yeah. And this is how long after you first met? How it would be a year and a half? Two more than. Which, for most people, would be quite a whirlwind. Is that how it felt to you?
I don't think that I would call it a whirlwind in terms of our relationship. Obviously, there've been layers attached to how public it has become. After we had a good five, six months so most with just privacy, which was amazing. But no, I think we were able to really have so much time just to connect. And we never went longer than two weeks without seeing each other, even though we were obviously doing a long-distance relationship. So, it's, we made it work.
How did you first meet?
Yes, we first met. We were introduced actually by a mutual friend, who we will, we should protect her privacy. Well, too much of that. And but it was, it was actually, it was through her. And then we met once, and then twice back-to-back, two dates in London last July. Yes. I can't even. July. And then it was, I think about three, maybe four weeks later, that I managed to persuade her to come and join me in Botswana. And we, we camped out with each other under the stars. And responded to come join me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic. So then we were really by ourselves, which I, which was crucial to me, to make sure that we had a chance to get to know each other.
But the friend who introduced you, was she trying to set you up?
Yes, it was definitely a set of blind dates. And it's so interesting because we talked about it and now. And even then, I, you know, because I'm from the States, you don't grow up with the same understanding of, of the royal family. And so, while I now understand very clearly there's a, a global interest there, I didn't know much about him. And so, the only thing that I had asked her when she said she wanted to set us up was, having one question. I said, "Was he nice?" Because if he wasn't kind, it just didn't, it didn't seem like it would make sense. And so, we went and had a met for a drink. And then I think very quickly into that, we said, "What are we doing tomorrow? We should meet again." Represent. Or, "Let's meet again." And then it was like, "White diaries. We need to get the diaries out and find out how we're gonna make this work." Because I was off to Africa for a month. Yeah. She was working. And we just said, "Right, where's, where's the gap?" And the gap happened to be the perfect place.
How much did you put, how we know about Megan? Had you seen her on TV?
No, I, I've never, never even heard about it until this friend said, "Megan Markle." Like, "Right, cake. Give me, give me a bit of background." It's like, "What's going on here?" So, no, I'd never, I'd never watched Suits. I'd never heard of Megan before. And I was beautifully surprised when I walked into that room and saw her. And there she was, sitting there. I was like, "Okay, why we have to up my game. Sit down and make sure I've got a good shot."
I think for both of us, so it was, it was really refreshing because given that I didn't know a lot about him, everything that I've learned about him, I learned through him, as opposed to having grown up around different news stories or tabloids or whatever else. Anything I learned about him and his family was what he would share with me, and vice versa. So, for both of us, it was just a really authentic and organic way to get to know each other.
And was that quite refreshing for you, in the way that you've been brought up, you know, with a lot of people knowing a lot about you?
Was it refreshing? I think exactly. Yeah. No, it's hugely refreshing to be able to get to know someone who isn't necessarily within your circle, doesn't know much about me. I don't know about much about her. So, to be able to start almost afresh, right from the beginning, and getting to know each other step by step. And then taking that huge leap of any two dates, and then, and then going together in the middle of nowhere, and you know, showing it, showing a tent together. And what kind of stuff it was. There was, it was fantastic. It was absolutely amazing to get to know her as quickly as I did.
And starting a long-distance relationship, you were working on Suits, you had, I imagine, a packed filming schedule. You've got lots of commitments of your own. How hard was it to keep things going?
It was just a choice, right? I think that very early on, we realized we were going to commit to each other. And we knew we had to invest the time and the energy and whatever it took to make that happen. And so, yeah, with the filming schedule, it was not the easiest because it, of course, included a lot of travel back and forth. But I don't think you had any idea what time zone it becomes. The last year and a half, no. He'll be over here for days or a week, and then going back, and then straight into filming the next day. 4:00 AM wake-up calls on a Monday, straight into cert. Right off the plane and straight to say, "I'm just trying to, just try to stay as close as possible." But, you know, two different time zones and five hours apart does have its challenges. But then, the, we made it working, and now we're here.
So, in the case of your relationship, unlike for most people, there's this whole layer of what it means to get involved with someone from the royal family. How much of a sense did you have, Megan, of the enormity of what you were getting into? What it might mean for your life?
I think I can very safely say, as naive as it sounds now, having gone through this learning curve in the past year and a half, I did not have any understanding of just what it would be like. I don't think either of us did. That we both said that, even though we knew that it would be. Yeah, I tried to, I tried, I tried to warn, I tried to warn you as much as possible. But I think both of us were totally surprised by the reaction after the first five, six months of when we had to ourselves, of what actually happened from then. So, I think you can, you can have as many conversations as you want and try and prepare as much as possible. But we were, we would take it on, prepare for what happened after that.
The scrutiny was, well, I mean, I think also because there's a misconception that because I have worked in the entertainment industry, that this would be something I would be familiar with. But even though I've been on my show for, I guess, six years at that point, and working before that, I've never been part of tabloid culture. I've never been in pop culture to that degree. And and lived a relatively quiet life, even though I focused so much on my job. And so, that was a really stark difference out of the gate. But, and I think we were just hit so hard at the beginning with a lot of mistruths that I made the choice to not read anything positive or negative. It just didn't make sense. And instead, we focused all of our energies just on nurturing our relationship.
Yes. And some of that scrutiny, and you ended up making a very public statement about, if some of that scrutiny was centered around your ethnicity. Again, when you realize that, what did you think?
Of course, it's disheartening. You know, it's, it's a shame that that is the climate in this world to focus that much on that, or that that would be discriminatory in that sense. But I think, you know, at the end of the day, I'm really just proud of who I am and where I come from. And we have never put any focus on that. We've just focused on who we are as a couple. And so, when you take all those extra layers away, and all of that noise, I think it makes it really easy to just enjoy being together and tune all the rest of that out.
But now that it is all official, Prince Harry, do you have that sense that the combination of the two of you, your different backgrounds, that you together represent something new for the royal family? But something new?
I think it's a, you know, it's a, for me, it's an added member of the family. It's another, another team player as part of the, the bigger team. And, you know, for all of us, what we wanted to do is be able to carry out the right engagements, carry out our work, and try and encourage others and the younger generation to be able to see the world in the correct sense, rather than perhaps being just having a distorted view. So, you know, the fact that I thought that I fell in love with Megan so incredibly quickly was a sort of confirmation to me that everything, everything, all the stars are aligned, everything was just perfect. It was this beautiful woman just sort of literally tripped and fell into my life. I spun into her life. And the fact that she, I know, the fact that she'll be really unbelievably good at the job part of it as well, is obviously huge relief to me because she'll be able to deal with, with everything else that comes with it. But, um, no, you know, we're a fantastic team. We know we are. And and what we hope to over time, try and have as much impact for the things that we care about as much as possible.
And making, given your, your acting and the profile you had, you'd already been involved in various causes, you've been an ambassador for UN Women. What about this new role? I mean, you're going to have a bigger platform, a bigger voice. What do you want to do with it?
I mean, how's? I think what's been really exciting as we talk about the transition of this out of my career but into the role is that, as you said, the causes that have been very important to me, I can focus even more energy on. Because very early out of the gate, I think you realize once you have access or a voice that people are willing to listen to, with that comes a lot of responsibility, which I take seriously. And at the same time, I think in these beginning few months, and now being boots on the ground in the UK, I'm excited to just really get to know more about the different communities here, smaller organizations. We're working on the same causes that I've always been passionate about under this umbrella. And and also being able to go around to the common well. If I think it's just, just the beginning of that. There's a lot to do. There's a lot to do.
And it's an immense change. You're, you're getting a new country out of it as a husband, obviously. But also giving up, giving up your career.
Yes. But I, I don't see it as giving anything up. I just see it as a change in each other. It's a new chapter, right? And and also keep in mind, I, I've been working on my show for seven years. So, we were very, very fortunate to be able to have that sort of longevity on a series. And for me, once we hit the hundred episode marker, I thought, you know what? I have, I have ticked this box. And I feel really proud of the work I've done there. And now it's time to, as you said, work, work as a team.
But do you have that sense of responsibility, Prince Harry, for what you thought you were asking Megan to do?
Of course, that sense of responsibility. It was, it was essentially from day one, or maybe a couple of months in, when I suddenly realized, actually, this is, you know, I feel, I know that I'm in love with this girl. And I hope that she's in love with me. But we still had to sit down on the sofa. And I stopped, you know, I still had to have some pretty, you know, frank conversations with her to say that, you know, what you're letting yourself in for, is it, is it's a big, it's a big deal. And it's, you know, it's not, I wouldn't, it's not, it's not easy for anybody. But I know that, you know, she, she chooses me. And I choose her. And therefore, you know, whatever, whatever we have to tackle together or individually, it will always be us together as a team. So, I think, I think she's, she's capable. She's capable of anything. And together, as I said, this, there's a hell of a lot of stuff and work that needs doing at the moment. For us, it's going to be making sure that our relationship is always but first. But know that both of us have passions for wanting to make change, change for good. And, you know, with lots of young people running around, but a couple wolf, that's where we're gonna spend.
My final thing, and it was really one of the first things we connected on. It was one of the first things we started talking about when we met, was just the different things that we wanted to do in the world and how passionate we were about seeing change. I think that was, um, that's what got date two in the books, probably.
Plenty to talk about. Children?
No, not currently. No. No. Of course, you know that. I think, you know, one fit, one step at a time. And if you will, will start a family in the near future.
I think you've met each other's families. Imagine.
Yes, his family's been so welcoming. And and you're going to feel emotion. I have on both sides of this families, mom's side as well, which has been really important to me too. But yes, the family has been great. And over the past year and a half, we've just had a really nice time getting to know them and progressively helping me feel a part of, of not just the institution, but also part of the family, which has been really, really special.
Trying to track them down and make sure they're around at the same time that she's popping in without telling too many people. And we've managed. We've actually done incredibly well to make sure the key people. So, doesn't mean a lot of the time. And that you've been together in this last year and a half, you've been, you've been at home a lot?
Yes, we've, we've, well, yeah, we had to reverse the whole process. And Thursday nights, Airmen from the television, cooking dinner with just the two of us by ourselves. And on the one cottage, rather than going out for dinner and being seen in public. So, we have, we reversed the whole process, which is, it's, it's provided different opportunities and has made us a hell of a lot closer in a shorter space of time, like a champ, that's, you know, without question. So, you know, if anybody else, maybe slow down the dates and maybe spend more time home. But I mean, no, it's, it's for us, it's, it's an opportunity to, to really get to know each other without other people, you know, looking or trying to take photos on their phones and all that kind of stuff. You know, with that, that comes, that comes, comes with a, comes to the job, comes to the role. But I'm responsible. Yeah. And we were able to really get to know each other that way. But also then to go and have friends over for dinner, or to go to his family's tea, or any of those sort of things. And even, you know, just to take the, take the time to be able to go on long country walks.
And have you met the Queen?
Times. It's incredible. I think, you know, a to be able to meet her through his lens, not just with his honor and respect for her as the monarch, but the love that he has for her as his grandmother. All of those layers have been so important for me. So, that when I met her, I had such a deep understanding. And of course, incredible respect for being able to have that time with her. And and we've had her, really. She's, she's an incredible woman.
I'm the cool history straight away. It's 33. Has been booked. Absolutely just laying on my feet during. Was very sweet. That has to be of a good sign. Speaking of dogs, have you brought yours?
Hi. Well, I have two dogs that I've had for quite a long time. Both my rescue pups. And one is now staying with very close friends. And my other little guy is, yes, he's in the UK. He's been here for a while.
Okay, let's hope he adjusts well.
I think he's doing just fine.
What was it like introducing Megan to your father and your brother?
Was it like? It was exciting. I mean, I, I've been seeing her for a period of time when I literally didn't, didn't tell anybody at all. And then William was longing to meet her. And so was Catherine. So, you know, they're being our neighbors, we managed to get, get that in a cup of, well, quite a few times now. And Catherine's been absolutely wonderful, amazing. As says William as well, a fantastic support. And then my, my father is already, you know, top of more than that. We had a handful of teas and meetings and and all sorts of gatherings over at his place as well. So, no, the family together have been absolutely, you know, solid support. And my grandparents as well have been every wonderful throughout this whole process. And they've known for quite some time. So, how they, everybody know that the whole family have come together and and have been a huge amount of something. They've been amazing.
And making your parents, do you think, you know, well, very happy for you, obviously. Do you think they have worried at all about the scale of what you're getting into?
Well, I'm sure at the onset, both my parents and my close friends were concerned because we got very quickly swept up in a media storm that, as I shared, was not part of my life before that. But they also had never seen me so happy. And and I think also, once my friends, excuse me, were able to to really meet Harry and my mom, we would spend a lot of time with it. It was so much fun. It was just, you know, it was just obvious that no matter what we were being put through, that it was just temporary. And that we were going to be able to get through that. So, everyone was really happy. We've, he's talked to my dad a few times. Hasn't been able to meet him just yet. But it's all been, it's all been worth every effort.
Your ring. Oh, yeah. Tell us about your ring.
The ring is, is obviously yellow gold because that's her favorite. And the main stone itself, a sauce from Botswana. And the, the little diamonds either side are from my mother's jewelry collection to make sure what she's worth on this, on this crazy journey together. And it's beautiful. And he designed it. It's incredible. Yeah. Yeah. Make sure it stays on my finger.
Pacific. What does it mean to you, Megan, to have those stones on your finger that once belonged to Princess Diana?
I think everything about Harry's thoughtfulness and the inclusion of that. And obviously not being able to meet his mom, it's so important to me to to know that she's a part of this with us. And and I think in being able to meet his aunts and and also to be like Julia and me, just different people who are so important to his mom, I'm able to in some way know a part of her through them. And of course, through him. And it's, it's incredibly special. And, you know, to be able to have this which sort of links or you come from and what's one of which is important to us. And it's, it's perfect.
What do you think your mother would have thought of Megan, or said about Megan? Is there?
Because there's, without question, I think she would be over the moon, jumping up and down. I was so excited for it for me. But then, as I said, it would have probably been best friends, best friends with Megan. So, now it's, I, you know, it's these days like days like today when when I really miss having you around and miss being able to show that the happy news. But, you know, with, with the ring, in with everything else that's going on, I'm sure she's, I'm sure she's with us, you know, jumping up and down somewhere else.
That's Harry and Megan. Local. Thank you both very much.
Thank you so much.