Meghan Markle breaks silence on Prince Harry romance

Almost a year after Prince Harry confirmed his relationship with actress Meghan Markle, the “Suits” star has opened up for the first time about the royal romance.

“I can tell you that at the end of the day I think it’s really simple,” the 36-year-old explained in the October issue of Vanity Fair. “We’re two people who are really happy and in love. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people’s perception. Nothing about me changed. I’m still the same person that I am, and I’ve never defined myself by my relationship.”

Reports surfaced early last fall the 32-year-old royal had fallen for Markle following a May 2016 encounter in Toronto, where Prince Harry was promoting the Invictus Games for disabled service members. The infamous bachelor addressed his burgeoning relationship with Markle in a statement last November, amid the ongoing media scrutiny the couple experienced.

“I don’t read any press,” she said. “I haven’t even read press for ‘Suits.’ The people who are close to me anchor me in knowing who I am. The rest is noise.”

Markle has taken the onslaught of attention in stride.

“It has its challenges, and it comes in waves — some days it can feel more challenging than others,” Markle shared. “And right out of the gate it was surprising the way things changed. But I still have this support system all around me, and, of course, my boyfriend’s support.”

As rumors continue to circulate about another royal announcement — Prince Harry’s brother, Prince William, confirmed Monday he and wife Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, are expecting their third child together — Markle and her beau are enjoying each day as it comes.

“We’re a couple. We’re in love,” Markle said. “I’m sure there will be a time when we will have to come forward and present ourselves and have stories to tell, but I hope what people will understand is that this is our time. This is for us. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.”