Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has shared new details about her first wedding anniversary with Prince Harry, describing the evening as both intimate and memorable.
In the second season of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan welcomed Chef Clare Smyth, the celebrated Chef Patron of London’s three Michelin-starred restaurant Core by Clare Smyth. Smyth, who catered for the Sussexes’ royal wedding in 2018, also prepared their first anniversary dinner.
“I still remember doing your anniversary,” Smyth told Meghan during their conversation. Adding, “We surprised you.” Meghan smiled as she remembered the occasion. “Oh my gosh, yes, that was so fun,” she replied, noting that the meal took place “in that beautiful little old chapel.”
Smyth went on to recall the unusual challenge of preparing food inside such a historic venue. “It was so funny because of the old building,” she said. “My team was laughing because we’re trying not to touch anything, and everything is shaking as they’re going through the old creaky floorboards. There are all these antiques everywhere, like, don’t knock anything down. We were like ninjas… Don’t touch anything.”
Meghan agreed, adding, “Everything around you is historical.” The chef also remembered creating a unique dish at the couple’s request for “late-night bites.” “It’s not really something I typically do, so we had to try and create a recipe for fried chicken,” Smyth explained. “And we did, and we kept it. We still do it for only an off-menu item.”
Meghan laughed and responded, “Oh my gosh, I love that we have created something off menu and that our off-menu item is the fried chicken at Core. You know, we’re done, that’s it. If that’s my claim to fame, I’m thrilled.”
Beyond the special dinner, reports have highlighted how the couple marked the milestone quietly with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland. According to Finding Freedom author Omid Scobie, “On the anniversary of their first year of marriage, Harry and Meghan enjoyed a traditional Sunday lunch with Doria, her last meal before traveling back to L.A.”
The biography also revealed Harry’s personal gift for his wife. “Harry also surprised his wife of one year with a ring that he had created with the jeweler to the stars Lorraine Schwartz, a favorite of Meghan’s,” Scobie wrote.
The evening, blending history, family, and a touch of humor, offered a glimpse into the Sussexes’ private life away from royal duties. For Meghan, the memory remains a cherished part of her love story with Harry.