Skip to main content

Sept. 15, 2019, marked Prince Harry‘s 35th year on Earth. He and Meghan Markle had had such a busy year — from kickstarting new charity ventures to welcoming their son, Archie — that we honestly weren’t surprised when we didn’t hear about any birthday plans. But as it turns out, he did have a celebration and even got a pretty amazing gift, courtesy of the former Suits star.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at a parade in June 2019
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at a parade in June 2019 | Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Prince Harry’s 35th birthday

At the time, Markle posted a short and sweet tribute to her husband on Instagram. Sharing a collage of pictures from his life, she wrote: “Your service to the causes you care so deeply for inspires me every day. You are the best husband and most amazing dad to our son. We love you ❤️ Happiest birthday!”

But she didn’t stop there. People reported on May 22 that Markle also put together an intimate event for her and Prince Harry that was inspired by their trip to Botswana, Africa in 2016.

“Last year, for Harry’s birthday, Meghan recreated their Botswana camping adventures in their backyard,” a source told the outlet. “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.”

More on the Africa trip and why it’s so significant

The couple was super early into their relationship at the time, having gone on just two days prior to the trip. Prince Harry said in a later interview that he had to persuade Markle to come along and join him but that they wound up having a blast.

“We camped out with each other under the stars. She came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic,” he explained. “So then we were really by ourselves, which was crucial to me to make sure that we had a chance to know each other.”

He later popped the question with a ring featuring a diamond from Botswana surrounded by two other gems that previously belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana. The pair went on to marry in a large ceremony at Windsor Castle in May 2018 and celebrated their second wedding anniversary just weeks ago.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle now

After stepping down from their senior roles in the royal family earlier in the year, the couple relocated to North America. They moved to the United States after a brief stint in Canada and are now living temporarily in a home belonging to film mogul Tyler Perry.

Reports say the couple want to find their own home but have slowed their search due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has affected more than 2 million people around the world. Read more about their rumored dream home here.

Best in Entertainment