The sentimental meaning behind Meghan and Harry's tropical garden paradise

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently made headlines after formally posing together for a TIME magazine cover shoot. 

The historical image that graced the cover commemorated the couple's place amongst the world's 100 most influential people – an honor that offered a glimpse behind (arguably) the most famous couple of the moment. However, while there is a lot to learn about the lives of Meghan and Harry, we were distracted by the exterior of their Montecito estate (famously one of the world's best homes) and what it means to the family.

Much like the couple's decorating ideas, little is –or was – known about their Montecito garden. However, the new images offer an insight into their tranquil garden and their Californian way of life. 

In the photograph, Meghan and Harry are captured wandering through a section of their 7.38-acre garden that surrounds their mansion – the only royal residence in Montecito. The calming, healing gardens are beautifully landscaped but encourage rewilding through the abundant trees that frame the couple in the image. 

A palm tree, which is one of the reasons why Meghan and Harry love the home, sits out of shot. 'One of the first things my husband saw when we walked around the house was those two palm trees. See how they're connected at the bottom? He goes, 'My love, it's us,' Meghan shared with The Cut (opens in new tab). 

In her interview, the Duchess shared that they had only toured the grounds when they told the real estate agent that they had to get the home – even before they saw the inside. We did everything we could to get this house... It's healing. You feel free.'

Despite the therapeutic qualities of the garden – and the property as a whole – there are rumors circulating that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are selling their Montecito home. However, it is clear that this garden is unique to the couple – who have designed the space with their children, Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, in mind. 

Following the Oprah interview, the couple sparked a chicken coop trend after sharing the coop (known as Archie's Chick Inn), full of hens that they had rescued from a local farm. Alongside the coop and the palm tree, the home has a pool house and swimming pool that is surrounded by verdant greenery.

And according to the original real estate listing (acquired by Hello (opens in new tab)), the garden is perfect for Archie and Lilibet as there is a huge adventure playground on the estate..