At a Glance
- Meghan Markle posted a 2016 Botswana photo and a 2026 dance video shot by 4-year-old Lilibet
- The couple’s third date was a five-day camping trip under the stars in Botswana
- Harry later said he knew Meghan was his “soulmate” during that trip
- Why it matters: The rare glimpse into their early romance shows how a single trip cemented a royal love story
Meghan Markle is marking a decade of memories by sharing a private 2016 snapshot and a new family moment filmed by her daughter.
The Post That Broke the Timeline
On Friday, Jan. 16, the Duchess of Sussex joined a viral trend that pairs 2016 photos with 2026 reflections. Instead of a simple side-by-side, she added a twist: a fresh black-and-white clip of her and Prince Harry dancing in an open field, camera operated by Princess Lilibet, age 4.
The caption read: “When 2026 feels just like 2016… you had to be there.”
The 2016 Photo That Started It All
The second slide shows the couple in Botswana during what they have called their third date. That trip, taken in the summer of 2016, lasted five days and involved camping under the stars.
- Only two prior meetings had occurred before the Botswana trip
- They stayed in a tent, completely alone
- Harry later told News Of Losangeles it was “crucial” to have that private time
How the Botswana Trip Sealed the Deal
In their engagement interview, Harry recalled: “We camped out with each other under the stars. She came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic.”
Meghan added that after their first drink together they immediately planned the next day’s meeting, leading to back-to-back London dates and then the Africa invitation.
Harry summarized the impact: “I knew she was my soulmate during that trip.”
From Blind Date to Global Headlines
The timeline, as shared with News Of Losangeles:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Blind date | Early July 2016 |
| Third date (Botswana) | Summer 2016 |
| Public knowledge | Late 2016 |
| Engagement announced | Nov. 27, 2017 |
| Wedding | May 19, 2018 |
Meghan told Vanity Fair they kept the relationship quiet for about six months before media attention exploded.
Archie and Lilibet Step Into the Frame
While the dancing video credits “our daughter,” the Sussex children have been appearing more often in family content. A Dec. 19 Christmas card showed the foursome on a small bridge, with Archie, 6, hugging Harry and Lilibet holding Meghan’s hands.
That same day a year-end video showcased the kids volunteering at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, pushing trolleys and preparing food alongside their parents.
Harry once joked about their red hair: “The ginger gene is a strong one!”
Key Takeaways
- A single 2016 camping trip became the foundation for a royal romance
- Meghan’s social post blends past and present, with the next generation behind the camera
- The couple’s early decision to spend five days alone in Botswana set the tone for their future life away from the spotlight
