Meghan Markle poses with Harry for first time in months as she says 'I'm so happy'

made a rare public appearance alongside husband at New York’s prestigious Lincoln Center to discuss her latest project - and she made one thing very clear: this was never meant to be reality TV.

Speaking onstage at the TIME100 Summit alongside journalist Jessica Sibley, the Duchess of Sussex, 43, looked as chic as ever in a linen beige pants suit paired with a crisp white shirt underneath. The mum-of-two, who shares Archie and Lilibet with Harry, 40, beamed from ear-to-ear as she made her first public appearance with her husband in months.

During the talk, Meghan reflected candidly on her creative choices in With Love, Meghan, the much-talked-about series that blends lifestyle, cooking, and intimate personal philosophy.

“I didn’t want a reality show,” Meghan said, addressing speculation around the tone and format of the series. “The crew - how are we going to do a cooking show that doesn’t feel like a typical [show]?"

The conversation offered a rare look into Meghan’s perspective - not just on the show, but on her approach to family life, creativity, and balance. She revealed that filming took place in a rented home, a deliberate choice to preserve the sense of normalcy for her children.

“Eighty people in the kitchen isn't really the childhood memory I’d like them to have,” she said, emphasising the importance of shielding them from the demands of production life.

Meghan also spoke about her motivation behind the project, saying the act of nurturing others is deeply tied to her own sense of wellbeing. “Part of what’s really, really important is that love language of taking care of people feeds me. It’s in many ways part of my self-care.”

Rather than feeling drained by the process, she said the series gave her energy. “Doing it in a way that’s thoughtful and so authentic - it actually energises you as opposed to depleting you.”

Naturally, the now-iconic “flower sprinkles” - dried petals lovingly scattered across dishes in the series - didn’t go unnoticed. When asked about the social media obsession they’ve sparked, Meghan laughed: “Oh my gosh! You’d think I’m a little fairy tossing them around all the time.”

“The obsession that has come with flower sprinkles… of all things we could be talking about… it speaks to the tiny moment of joy that are so effortless and create a little bit of magic we’re all craving every day,” she said. “The level of charm people have when they see these tiny little dried petals is something I can’t wrap my head around - but appreciate.”

The event, which also welcomed stars like and Demi Moore, is focused on driving global change and elevating inspiring voices. Reflecting on her current chapter in life, Meghan beamed: “I’m the happiest that I’ve ever been.”

She continued: “To have a partner and husband who is so supportive, and to have healthy kids who are so joyful, and in the freeness of their life and the safety of their life we created for them… of all the things that happened I never would have imagined at this point I’d be so happy and free - and I really do.”

The summit marked the couple’s first joint public engagement since the Invictus Games in February, with Meghan clearly having a lot to celebrate.

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