Meghan Markle's 'unusual' birthday gift to Harry so he remembers how they fell in love

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been enjoying his 40th birthday celebrations this year at their Montecito home in California.

By Jasmine Carey, Royal Reporter

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walking

Meghan wanted to recreate the moment they fell in love (Image: Kola SULAIMON / AFP)

Meghan Markle gave  Prince Harry an unusual birthday gift to mark the time they fell in love.

In 2019, the year their first son Archie was born, a source close to the couple said that Meghan recreated a romantic trip to Botswana by putting up tents in the garden for Harry’s 35th birthday.

This comes after Harry invited Meghan to Africa in 2016 right at the start of their relationship.

It was here that the couple said they fell in love, according to their docuseries 'Harry & Meghan'.

A source told People magazine at the time that Meghan recreated the camping trip so it was as similar to the real thing as possible, despite the fact the couple were in the UK.


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They told People: "Last year, for Harry's birthday, Meghan recreated their Botswana camping adventures in their backyard.

“It's a place that means so much to them - and to Harry in particular - so Meghan wanted to bring that happy place to him on his day so she set up a tent, got sleeping bags, cooked dinner and recreated Botswana where they fell in love."

Speaking about the trip in their engagement interview, Prince Harry said the couple - who were secretly dating long distance at the time - were together in Africa for five nights.

He said: "I managed to persuade her to come and join me in Botswana. We camped out with each other under the stars. She came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic."


Prince Harry kissing his father King Charles

Prince Harry received birthday wishes from his dad and his brother (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Harry celebrated his 40th birthday on Sunday and it has not been confirmed what presents he received from his wife Meghan Markle.

In a statement issued to the BBC just days before his big day, the prince said his children were his greatest gift and that he is “excited” for the next decade, which he plans to spend in his home in California.

The prince, who quit the Royal Family in 2020, also received public well wishes on his special day from both his father King Charles and his brother Prince William.

Despite having a big party at his Montecito home, it is believed no members of the Royal Family flew over from the UK to attend.


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