For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Botswana Is Much More Than Just the Site of Their Third Date

If Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first blind date wasn’t romantic enough, their third date certainly seemed to seal the deal: They camped out together under the stars in Botswana. It’s a place that’s been near and dear to Harry’s heart for decades, and now it’s a favorite of Meghan’s, too.

The newly-engaged couple talked about the getaway during their first interview with BBC, which aired on Monday, Nov. 27. “I think about three, maybe four weeks [after the first date], I managed to persuade her to come and join me,” Harry said. “And we camped out with each other under the stars… She came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic.”

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Botswana holds special significance for Harry. According to the Evening Standard, the prince first traveled there when he was 13 years old, two months after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. He’s been back many times since then, too. In fact, he became a patron of Rhino Conservation Botswana in January 2017.

“I’ve been lucky enough to visit Botswana for more than 20 years, and I’m fortunate to be able to call it my second home,” Harry said at the time. He and Meghan even went back to the African country to celebrate her 36th birthday earlier this year.

Now, the former Suits actress carries a piece of Botswana around on her ring finger. Her engagement sparkler features a center diamond from Botswana flanked by diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection. With Meghan’s philanthropic passion, we wouldn’t be surprised if she joined in Harry’s rhino conservation efforts in the future. At the very least, we think we know where the couple could go on their honeymoon!