Meghan Markle opens up about Prince Harry for the first time

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been dating for over a year but the pair have never publicly spoken about their royal relationship.

Yes, there have been plenty of ‘sources said’ and ‘according to a friend’-type stories but the 36-year-old actress has refused to open up.

Until now.

In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Meghan openly discusses her relationship with Harry, explaining why the pair have remained so silent.

“We’re a couple,” she says. “We’re in love. 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.”

The ‘Suits’ star admitted that she met the 33-year-old royal through mutual friends in July 2016.

After several months of media harassment, Harry was forced to issue a statement, saying he “was worried about Ms. Markle’s safety” and reminding the press that “this is not a game.”

Despite sources saying that Meghan was struggling to adapt to her new life, the actress told Vanity Fair that little has changed.

“At the end of the day, I think it’s really simple,” she said when asked how she deals with the constant intrusion. “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.”

Meghan admitted that being with Harry does have “its challenges. It comes in waves. Some days, it can feel more challenging than others.”

“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.”

Meghan was all too happy to star in the accompanying shoot by renowned fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh. Noting how her freckles were usually airbrushed out, the actress said she was “thrilled to work with Peter, because he rarely retouches and he believes in such little make-up.”

So will the royal couple marry in the near future?

Meghan only had one thing to say: “We’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.”

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK.

Read more from Yahoo Style UK:

Meghan Markle reportedly ‘overwhelmed’ by relationship with Prince Harry

Someone asked Meghan Markle if she’s marrying Prince Harry – and her face said it all

Here’s what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding might be like