For almost a year, rumors have flown about the romance between 36-year-old actress and activist Meghan Markle and Britain’s 33-year-old Prince Harry, former army captain who had completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan, and all-around favorite ginger. In the latest issue of Vanity Fair, she talks about her bi-racial background, her romance with Harry, and her hit series, Suits, and the media firestorm she walks calmly through.

If Markle and Prince Harry tie the knot, she will become the first American to marry into the royal family since Wallis Simpson famously wed King Edward VIII, forcing his abdication from the throne, almost 81 years ago. (No issue with abdication with Harry, as he’s fifth in line, at this point.)

Markle has handled the pressures of dating a royal and the surrounding publicity and tabloid hounding with grace. She says,

“It has its challenges, and 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.”

“Grounded” is the word that is often used to describe Markle. She and Prince Harry were,

“quietly dating for about six months before it became news. I’ve never defined myself by my relationship. The people who are close to me anchor me in knowing who I am. I don’t read any press. The rest is noise.”

The media frenzy seems to bother the prince more than it does Markle. The official statement issued from Kensington Palace read, in part,

“Meghan Markle has been subject to a wave of abuse and harassment. . . . Prince Harry is worried about Ms. Markle’s safety and is deeply disappointed that he has not been able to protect her.”

Markle says,

“At the end of the day I think it’s really simple. We’re two people who are really happy.

We’re a couple. 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. It’s part of what makes it so special, that it’s just ours. But we’re happy. Personally, I love a great love story.”

Me too. To read the full story and see Peter Lindberg’s gorgeous pics, go here.

(Photo, Peter Lindbergh; via Vanity Fair)